Post #624265 by Professor G on Thu, Feb 9, 2012 6:04 AM

Would it be inaccurate to point out that any rules about Polynesian authenticity in mugs have been, historically, somewhat laxly enforced?

On an aesthetic level, I don't care to collect these mugs and the Van Tiki mug being discussed is one of his least Poly/pop influenced. Functionally, however, the purpose of a Tiki mug is to be part of the illusion that you are having dinner in a place that never existed. I agree that there should be air-conditioned jungles with no bugs where food is brought to you by a sarong-clad bevy of well-nourished blondes, brunettes and redheads, but I've traveled a bit and not found such a place yet. On a cultural sensitivity level, the drum mug isn't going to offend anyone because it doesn't look like anyone's deity, ancestor, or spirit guide (I guess the nose-guard might bug the descendents of old-school northern European warriors).

There has always been a pretty heavy "because-I-say-so" factor in the Tiki aesthetic, which makes this kind of discussion really interesting.

*The examples are lifted straight from Ooga-Mooga: if that was naughty of me, I'll ditch them.