Post #656432 by abstractiki on Mon, Oct 22, 2012 5:36 PM

Mahalo DC, OGR, Vamp, BB, Tobunga, big bro, tiki C, TB, 1963, LD and Big K. I appreciate the comments and encouragement.

Tiki C, I will send you a PM and we can compare notes.

DC, preservation was definitely on my mind. When I first talked to the old man at my art show reception he wanted to trade the tiki for my biggest painting. The painting was for sale for $700.00 and I told him if I verify that it is an Islander tiki I'll do it and we exchanged contact info. The next day he called me and said his wife would not let him trade it or sell it. I was disappointed but I was still ecstatic that it may be the missing Moai tiki.

When I met with him I explained the whole urban "tiki archeology thing" and the "part of Americas popular culture and history" thing. I told him how a collector would store it out of the rain and sun and try to preserve it. I showed so much interest and affection for this tiki he said if it were up to him he would give it to me but his wife wouldn't let him.

He said it was in cement and very heavy. It took 4 men to carry it and it dented his truck when he got it.

I would love to see this tiki and others like it preserved and displayed in "America's Polynesian Pop Culture Museum" when it's built by one of us TC'ers that wins the Super Lotto.

Maybe someday they will move or his wife will change her mind and they will let me have it. I didn't press the issue at all. At least I know it is safe, has not been painted a bunch of goofy colors and it's not in a landfill.