Post #156639 by Swanky on Wed, May 4, 2005 6:17 AM

On 2005-05-04 03:58, nuimaleko wrote:
I was kind of wondering exactly what qualified as "Tiki". Does it have to be Polynesian inspired? I have some carved wooden plaques from the Philipines, I picked up in a junk shop near Portland. I would describe them as depicting water spirits. I thought they were Pacific Northwest native American, but one day I found the word Phillipines carved in tiny letters on the back. They look right at home with my Hawaiiana, but would also look fine next to a totem poll.
I have seen things for sale on the web described as South American native "Tikis" and African "Tikis", even Chinese "Tikis". I guess any carved piece of primitive art or anything impired by it is now a "Tiki". Is this correct?
Don't get me wrong. I am not knocking it. I just find it curious.

I have seen it the other way around more. Tikis referred to as totems.

As far as what goes in your bar, that's your taste. The Trader Vic's logo is a Papua New Guinea mask. There is a sort of umbrella of "exotic tropical island culture" that all goes just fine. Flotsom and jetsom.