Post #547527 by bigbrotiki on Mon, Aug 9, 2010 11:43 PM

Not an easy question to answer, kind of a generic approach. Asking about "BEST" of course is a very subjective question, it depends on everyone's personal taste. "INFLUENTIAL" is an interesting question, and could be separated into to two categories: Classic mid-century Tiki and Tiki revival Tiki

There are some specific mid-century Tiki-designs that got copied more often than others, for example I have seen the Kahiki fireplace swiped on a few matchbooks of other restaurants...but not enough that it can be called "influential". The Tiki Bob mug design was used by several places too --but not because it was "best" or "influential", more likely because it was available in the mug manufacturer's sample catalog. And I believe some carvers were prolific enough and had a enough of a personal style to influence mid-century Tiki design in general, like Milan Guanko.

Concerning the Tiki Revival: For obvious reasons, I make it my hobby to find and track Tiki products that use Tikis from the "Book of Tiki". Among them, the Hanalei/ Luau courtyard Tiki takes the cake, having had the most use of any. Here is my photo of it in the book:

And here is a smattering of its appearances in various media since the publication of the book in 2000:

The most astonishing version of it was used for the dreaded Las Vegas Trader Vic's, in giganto size:

I wonder where these babies are now, I think I should have one of these, having provided the blue print for it. :)

There are others in the book that have been used repeatedly...

...like the Pitcairn sign and Leroy's carving chapter opening page Tiki, but the Hanalei guy must possess the right mixture of elements to make him one of the most "influential".