Post #776698 by EnchantedTikiGoth on Mon, Jun 5, 2017 1:26 PM

On 2017-06-05 10:08, AkronTiki wrote:

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.

Don't we all go through this cycle? You just learn about Tiki, maybe just got back from a trip to Disneyland where you fell in love with the Enchanted Tiki Room and Jungle Cruise, and you go on the hunt buying any Tiki mug you can find, which usually ends up being something by Accoutrements or Archie McPhee? And then when you learn more, develop a proper palate, and refine your own particular style and interests (Fantasy Tiki and some heavy Disney influence for me!) you curate your collection better and offload your old Accoutrements and Archie McPhee "starter kit" onto the next person just starting out? :)