Post #547560 by woofmutt on Tue, Aug 10, 2010 9:35 AM

Interesting question. I agree that "best" should be left out of it, that will just end in tears.

Most influential is a good head scratcher, whether the actual anthropological sources or the Tiki icons that artists are fond of revisiting.

For an influential Tiki icon I'd also go with Tiki Bob. A lot of artists like recreating him in one form or another and those recreations are popular with collectors.

Maori designs are a popular source inspiration for many artists. I would guess it's the intricate linear aspects of the designs that artists find appealing.

The moai is possibly the most influential singular "tiki" for contemporary artists. It's popular with creative types from those first trying their hand at Tiki art to fine artists to the complete hacks in the world of animation.

As a maker of useless dust gathering objects I'm most drawn to the moai as source because the "big stone head" is so flexible. The moai can be rendered almost completely abstractly yet still remain recognizable and retain its strong presence, it "cleans up" well for a sleek mid century modern decor look, and it works great in a cartoony rendition.

I also like how interpretation of the moai expression is in the eye of the beholder. The exact same moai may seem like a silent yet menacing guardian, a deep thinker holding great secrets, or a stoic immortal mildly amused with the goings on of the tiny fleshy creatures around him.