Post #334791 by Psycho Tiki D on Tue, Sep 25, 2007 9:41 AM

On his last visit, my long time friend (the one who got my collecting tiki) posed this serious question to me. Are you a tiki snob?

I have had him tag along with me to a few tiki functions, to a couple of tiki bars and of course, to the flea markets and antique stores I frequent. Although I would like to consider myself more of a “connoisseur” of tiki, I had to stop and ponder the question asked.

He prefaced this question by stating the obvious; remember when we used to go and find this stuff at thrift stores? No one wanted it, it was considered junk. Mugs were plentiful and mostly found for under a dollar (usually $0.25). Same with most island related stuff, Coco Joes and the like. He still has a Trader Vics Suffering Bastard decanter and mugs he bought for $1.99 which is destined for my collection.

His observation was valid, at least in my case. I guess I am a snob when it comes to what I collect. I prefer vintage items and pick them up whenever I can. I also prefer items with some history to them typically from a tiki establishment. Although I have purchased a few newer items and have an appreciation for the wide array of product available in today’s market, it just doesn’t have the same feel to me. Who knows, I may change my mind on this in the future?

It is also hard to explain to my friend spending $60.00-$100.00 on a new made mug because of our past collecting purchases (although he bought a new mug from Jungle Trader and I have bought some newer items for his collection as well).

Are you a tiki snob? Can you explain why? Do you buy whatever you can or are there things you pass on, not because of price, but because of what it is? Maybe someone else out there can help me better explain this to my friend?

Psycho Tiki D (I know I am and I am a tiki snob)!