June 29, 2011

148.365: Fijian tiki mask

148.365 daily photo. This mask has been hanging in every home we've lived in. Stephen and I picked this up on our honeymoon in Fiji. "Fijian masks are usually carved out of iron wood also known as Vesi wood. The wood is kept under ground for a few month to give it a natural black color, that's how the carvings will come out after completion. The earthy red color masks have a red dirt stain added to them. Fijian Tiki masks are very easily identifiable because often they will feature hand carved turtles, geckos, or ceremonial dancing knife also known as Nifo Oti." The turtle usually has the meaning of long life.

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