TIKIs ~ who collects them?

[Sir Masksalot]

With summer here and the tikicentral website offline, I just have to get my tiki talk in somewhere!



I was fortunate enough to be around in the 1960s to experience the best of American tiki culture
during its first wave. As a family, we often visited Polynesian-themed restaurants. These establishments
overflowed with exotic tropical decor, indoor waterfalls, storm effects, and hula dancers; all quite
entrancing to a pre-teen kid like me.
Already heavily into movie monsters at the time, it wasn't a big jump for me to take particular interest
in the intimidating tiki statues which adorned such places. In decades to follow I encountered many in
my travels across America, from Hawaii to Florida with many stops in-between >

      

      

   

   

But that wasn't enough ... I had to bring the "mana" home with me. Today I own around two dozen tiki figures
of which the tallest is my four-footer in our backyard garden >



Of my Oceanic idols the oldest one I still have is this MOAI, acquired from Pier One Imports in the 1960s >



The Randotti company sold plaster tikis as well as skulls from various locations throughout Disneyland.
There were different styles available but these two are my favorites, although broken and repaired
a few times over the years >



During my last trip to Hawaii, I scored these two hand-carved replicas based on ancient originals
residing in the Bishop Museum. They hold a place of honor every summer as part of our seasonal
home decor >



There are others but you've seen the core of my collection right here. It's going to be a hot steamy summer
so pretend you're in the tropics and share your tiki travels with us, especially any related souvenirs you
managed to smuggle home.

[marsattacks666]

Really cool Tikis. Years ago, I once decorated my guest bathroom in my house with Tiki idols and sort of theme.

[Rex fury]

Great tiki photos! I've always had an interest in these guys. Earlier  this year I ordered the CFTBL tiki cups which I proudly have on display in my kitchen. I'm hoping to get back to the South Pacific soon.
RF