Post #450085 by Son-of-Kelbo on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 5:58 PM

And for the record, I thank Big Bro Tiki too. (and I've bought enough of his books to back up the sincerity of that. The first one well before I'd ever met him.)

Sven has defined, strictly, what, and when, "Tiki was” as a period pop phenomenon. And he focuses the guiding light on new works that pay homage to a bygone era, and remain true to the definition of that time. And he will forever be legendary for it.

I respectfully opine, however, that what was happening then, isn't the same as what's happening now; and that, even then, the term "tiki" was always used by its most enthusiastic and unconsciously antic celebrants in a whimsically flexible way which has always mixed Polynesian, Caribbean, African and modern American influences (under the Poly-Pop palapa). “Tiki” is not anthropology.

However, the more one studies Sven's books and explores all the terrific threads here on TC, the more one becomes familiar with Sven's definition of "classic Tiki", and that's truly wonderful knowledge to gain, and will always be a great and valuable resource for everyone, old and new, who seeks to understand the primal root of the lunacy we’re in the grip of. Picasso studied the masters before he went mad.

Like a lot of the Ohana here, I was “tiki” before tiki became cool again, in a personal way that evolved directly from my own early memories of the time before “Tiki” went into decline. Those whom the Gods smack on the head don’t need to pass any tests, or toe anybody else’s line. For the chosen, “Tiki” may have declined for a time, but it never died-out. We go on in our own way.

Mahalo, BBT, for all the outstanding and painstaking research you’ve shared, and for the scholarly underpinnings you’ve brought to the passion we all feel around here.

(Hav'ta split now; got a margarita in the blender, the parrot's squawking for attention, the Baxter's a little too low on the hi-fi, and I'm anxious to check out the "Blue Hawaii" dvd that just got Netflixed in, after I cruise through Bob's Toluca Lake to see who's brought the muscle tonight. Should I wear the fez? And will it clash with the leopard-skin? Oooo, I hope so. C'mon by and I'll show you what's in the online development pipeline -- I’ll leave the lava lamp on in the window for ya. Sorry, sorry..., just couldn’t resist... S :wink: K )