Truly Tiki
With the help of renowned Tiki expert Sven A. Kirsten, we've created an illustrated guide to a truly authentic Tiki bar in all its traditionally dark and brooding glory
A real Tiki bar can offer an exotic escape from the concrete and steel of the outside world. “That’s the aim. To provide as much of an otherworldly, authentic South Seas atmosphere as possible,” says author and Tiki expert Sven A. Kirsten. But beware, there’s no shortage of bars calling themselves Tiki just because they serve Tiki drinks. They’d call it ‘Nouveau Tiki’. Sven calls it ‘Tiki Lite’. Lose the parrots, the cheap, grimacing carvings and the garish ‘Tiki Bar’ sign, then, and follow these steps to ensure your South Seas set-up is fit for a beachcomber.
1) Tiki carvings
At least one Tiki carving, the ambassador of the Polynesian urban paradise. Not just any grimacing one, now easily available as a cheap Asian import – its style should be equally composed of ancient Polynesian Tiki art, mid-century modern sculpture, and cartoonish whimsy. (Note: it shouldn’t be garishly painted – that’s ‘gay fiesta’. Leave it dark.)
2) Organic materials
The base layer of a Tiki bar is composed of organic exotic materials and textures: bamboo, rattan, palm matting, tapa cloth, lava rock – preferably from floor to ceiling, with not an inch of white wall in sight. This is where your Tikis will feel at home.
3) Oceanic artifacts
Up on the wall there should be Oceanic artefacts brought back from South Seas travels, like masks, shields and weapons. They can hail from Polynesia, but also Melanesia and Micronesia.
4) Nautical elements
Include some nautical elements that tell tales of distant ports of call, like a ship’s steering wheel, a model schooner, some thick nautical rope – not so much as to drift into pirate territory, though, and hold off on the parrots (they’re not native to Polynesia).
5) Beachcombed miscellany
From the ceiling should hang a plethora of dim beachcomber lamps in the form of fishnet floats, dried puffer fish, wooden crates, basketry, and anything made out of driftwood (though strictly no ‘Tiki Bar’ sign).
6) Traditional rums and drinking vessels
Behind the bar should be a sizable collection of tasty rums, less white, more golden and dark, with at least one Demerara. Also, as decor or utensils, an assortment of Tiki mugs, Tiki decanters and other primitive art-shaped gadgets.
