Post #776684 by AkronTiki on Mon, Jun 5, 2017 10:08 AM

This started off more as a discussion of authenticity and “junk tiki” and has seriously morphed into an analysis of cultural appropriation, which is a topic I tire of quickly -- especially when applied to the Tiki Realm. This subject should be about style, relaxing and having fun – not about making or trying to defend yourself from political views.

In terms of quality and authenticity, I’m not afraid to admit that my tolerance is pretty broad. It’s important to remember that a lot of people—especially when they are first introduced to the style—may not have access to “the best of what’s available.” They may have to settle for a little kitsch at the outset, since what can be purchased at a party or discount store may be all that they can find, until they are 1) better educated, or 2) have the $ to buy a nice, hand-carved tiki. I went through this myself; I set up a decorative garden focal point at the end of my pool, and the first think I could find was a Party City tiki mask that I stapled to a 36” high 1” x 10” that I stuck in the ground. It didn’t last long, but it helped set the scene for a while. I also purchased a fair amount of discount-store items until they were eventually replaced with something better, but I still keep a few out – just for fun.

I have an outdoor bar on the deck, but tend to go for the darker (brown) tiki-look instead of the light bamboo-and-thatch stuff. I mix in Hawaiiana, too – as I feel it blends well, and I don’t draw a hard line between the looks, which most of my visitors cannot discern anyway. I avoid Caribbean stuff, but while I do have a few surf-themed items, they are generally in the vein of Duke Kahanamoku and not The Endless Summer, if you know what I mean. For the most part, it all looks good together and pleases me, which is all that matters. As time goes on, I will continue to add better stuff – and also continue to make my own.

My biggest problem right now is that my wife has taken a strong liking to pink flamingoes, which I have tried to address by keeping them far away from the bar and toward the periphery of our backyard. This ranges from towels on the chaises, a plastic one stuck out in the garden and another small garden light to a bright neon light that I have banished to the top of a beer cooler at the far end of the garage. So far, so good – I’m holding my breath hoping she doesn’t bring any more home…