Welcome to the Tiki Central 2.0 Beta. Read the announcement
Celebrating classic and modern Polynesian Pop

Tiki Central / Collecting Tiki / Aku Aku Moai Papa(?) interior carving

Post #537052 by SilverLine on Thu, Jun 17, 2010 8:59 AM

You are viewing a single post. Click here to view the post in context.
S

I've been waiting for the chance to acquire this piece for a few months now and earlier this week I got it! It was first discussed over in the Aku Aku Las Vegas thread in General Tik.

The origins of this carving might be a complete mystery if not for this interior shot provided by Vintage Vegas on Flickr:

I'm pretty sure this guy (girl?) is the third carving on the left in this picture. Here's my best attempt at Photoshop-ing a better image: (side by side comparison)

I have no idea how this piece wound up in Kansas City; there must have been a sale of the interior contents of the Aku Aku at some point so maybe there are more of these guys out there. From the photo there looks to be at least 9 figures.

I understand that Eli Hedley did the interior decor for the Aku Aku. Did he do the interior carvings as well? I bought both books currently available on him, but there's no mention of this project. (When are you going to do the Book of Eli, Ben?!) I'm curious if there is any more information about this carving.