Post #561675 by oni_baba on Tue, Oct 26, 2010 12:09 PM

We should take any opportunity offered to not just enjoy the Western romanticization of an ancient culture, but support its descendants wherever we can, not merely contribute to its trivialization. I enjoy Tiki as a pop culture, but believe that it carries the creative spark of its original Polynesian roots in it, thus perpetuating its tradition in a positive, not only trivial manner.

There had actually been reservations by a couple people who thought that the inclusion of tiki-pop was a distraction to the event. However, Santi Hitorangi-- the rapanui representative who will be speaking at this event-- stepped up and wanted to include those whose art payed tribute to the indigenous peoples' work. "Solidarity," he said,"was the purpose of this benefit." Another of the event's sponsors wisely said, "let us walk in humility with those who will walk with us..."

The most amazing thing about participating with this event so far, is being reminded of how many righteous people there are in this city.

I want to thank Sven for his insight into recognizing the role that those in the tiki community can play towards the preservation of a living tradition, and I think he will be pleased to see how the Moai walked, rather than the "archeologist's view that the rapanui cut down their trees to move the moai..."

arnie