In ancient times, tiki (or ki'i) were carved to represent the image of a certain god and as an embodiment of that specific god's mana, or power.
Ku is the god of war. As Kuka’ilimoku, he was King Kamehameha’s favorite god, assisting him in uniting the tribes of the Hawaiian Island Chain. He is also the god of the forest, canoes, husbandry and fishing. KU required his own temples, priests, and human sacrifices for worshipping him.
Each person worshiped a different form of his god.  Craftsmen worshiped some special form of Ku.  Those who worked in timber had no fewer than eight forms of Ku, one of which was Kupulupulu.  Bird catchers and workers with feathers had Kuhuluhulumanu; husbandmen, Kukaoo; fisherman Kuulu, and sorcerers, Kukoae.  
Among the body forms of Ku are coconut, breadfruit, ohi’a lehua, caterpillars as sea cucumbers.
Hand-carved from Monkey Pod (Samanea samen)
36"H x 10"W x 10"D