I have been inspired by Polynesian cultures and principally by carved 'tiki' figures since I lived in New Zealand for a year between 1999 and 2000. This particular Tiki head is based on a sketch I drew, but the detail in the final piece has evolved since.
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Tiki height: 450mm
Diameter at widest point: 178mm
TIKI CONCEPT SKETCHES
Page containing concepts for smaller scale tiki heads.
The design I selected was the second from right on the lower image. I felt that this was the form that was the most unconventional, closer to a human face in proportions than the other designs.
The carving took approximately 4 days to finish using hand and chisels and an angle grinder with sanding disc attachment. This is how the raw carving looked before staining, once the detail had been burnt/carved.
The process of applying stain to the carving was done in two stages. Initial staining involved a lighter stain, mixed from a combination of existing wood stains to create a new shade.
Initial wood stain
The second and final stain application brought out a much richer colour that I felt happier with.
