Post #11248 by Fonduie on Thu, Oct 17, 2002 1:16 PM

Looking at e-bay in the past I have occasionally noticed people advertising mugs as being Tiki but on closer inspection find that the said items are obviously not. For example, I have seen a mug with a mezzo-American figure being advertised as "Tiki." I have also seen a mug with a distinct African flavor being touted as "Tiki" as well. We all know at a visceral level that these items are simply not Tiki.

However, this observation created a dilemma for me. Where do we make this distinction as to what is and isn't Tiki? Is it totally a subjective esthetic reaction or it there a fast and true rule of thumb? For instance, I have a fumanchu mug where no Tiki appears but I consider him Tiki enough to associate with my other mugs. But if I went to a local touristy Japanese restaurant and brought home one of their "happy Buddha" type mugs I would not place him among my Tiki collection, that would be just wrong to me. And consider the surfer dude and hula girl mugs if you will. No Tiki's there. But do they remain they Tiki in spirit?

Perhaps you see my dilemma?