Post #247954 by ikitnrev on Wed, Aug 9, 2006 7:14 PM

So much of what is or is not tiki depends on the context of the object.

Yes, I agree in general, that brightly painted tiki poles do not quite fit in with most tiki decor. Yet I own two of the poles which existed at the former Honolulu restaurant, which are painted in bright colors. Chances are that the tiki poles once stood in a more native, unpainted form, and the bright colors were only added later. But I never experienced that native look - the first time I visted the Honolulu, those poles were brightly painted, and that is how most people remember them by.

So to me, those poles hold and represent some very good memories, of a treasured tiki place in the DC area. They have a true historic sense, and they oversaw the consumption of tens of thousands of mai-tais over the years. Yet, if someone came into my home, and saw those poles, and had no idea of their history - well, they might conclude that they were the ugliest things on the face of the earth.

There is a difference between the Honolulu poles and some mass-produced brightly colored tiki. But I did want to point out, that firm rules do not always play out, and there are exceptions to every rule..... and just because you can find the exception to a rule, does not mean that the rule is no longer valid.

Vern