Post #156006 by Kono on Sat, Apr 30, 2005 8:27 PM

I would love to know the story behind the design and manufacture of these little guys. From what I've learned, most of these cheap tiki items are designed and manufactured in China and then purchased at shows by US retail stores such as Dollar Tree, Big Lots, Old Time Pottery etc. Most of the items tend to be fairly derivative of existing designs or even downright rip-offs. These little tikis, however, seem to me to be very original (whimsical) interpretations of more traditional styles. They may be cheaply made but the designs are rather intricate. Whoever did the original sculpts did a hell of a good job.

I ran out and bought all of these last year. I have to say that I tried but was unable to integrate them into my existing "tiki decor." But hey, I have the same problem with Coco Joes.

I bet there's a good story behind these cheap tikis. There may be some Chinese Benzart carver who deeply loves Hawaiiana who is behind all of this. Maybe Tiki Magazine could do an investigative report? :wink: