Post #248025 by Swanky on Thu, Aug 10, 2006 6:21 AM

On 2006-08-09 19:14, ikitnrev wrote:
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 and just because you can find the exception to a rule, does not mean that the rule is no longer valid.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

I might point out that the whole brightly colored carving thing is from a tried and true classic maker of tiki, Orchids of Hawaii. Like this mask at the Omni Hut, when you see this type of display in an old bar, you can bet it's Orchids. So, it's not exactly un-tiki. It may be vintage tiki, just, kinda ugly.

..sorry... I am having trouble accessing the image I want right now...