Post #11467 by bigbrotiki on Mon, Oct 21, 2002 6:46 PM

Here is my 25 cents (more than two):

First and foremost a TIKI labelled item should ideally bear the likeness of a Polynesian godhead somewhere somehow. In terms of mugs, that means a blue surfer mug is not a Tiki mug, it's a Surfer mug that was used in Tiki Bars. Those mugs, like the Fu Manchu and others, were part of the TIKI STYLE, but are not Tiki mugs.

BUT, Tiki style certainly depends on just the right amount of non-Tiki items from the beachcomber, nautical and primitive art genre, to ad variety and mystery to those pagan idols, otherwise they look like museum pieces.
Blow fish, fishnet floats. lots of foliage, waterfalls, torches, all those are elements of TIKI STYLE, but just if they are assembled to support and glorify the effect of THE ONE, TIKI himself.
Even lounge culture items like that girl mug are OK when employed in the service of Tiki.
It's all a question of balance and degree, and personal taste.

And now to the difference between Hawaiiana and Tiki style.......