Share your Papua New Guinea pieces - Collecting Tiki

PP Prikli Pear Tiki Socialite New Braunfels, Texas Joined: Jan 04, 2017 Posts: 1021	PP Prikli Pear Posted posted on Sat, Oct 12, 2024 10:53 AM in reply to swizzle Swizz, yeah, I'm aware of that. The thing that surprised me in trying to find out more about these is the utter dismissal and contempt shown toward so-called "tourist pieces" by people in PNG collector groups. "Worthless," "no value" and "tourist garbage" are phrases I've seen repeated. That's dramatically different responses from what I've seen in tiki circles--and I know tiki folk can be snobs in their own way. The attitude is striking, because I know in the Pacific Northwest Native American artists are creating modern versions of traditional carvings and regalia specifically for the art market and these pieces command high values. Contrast that with PNG art, where villagers create masks and carvings using traditional materials and techniques, yet collectors deem these as worthless if they weren't actually used in yam ceremonies, etc. It's stunning. I have no interest in selling any of my pieces regardless of their intrinsic value. For many PNG experts, resale value is the only thing that matters. Oh, and I need to get that book! Off to check ABE...

Swizz, yeah, I'm aware of that. The thing that surprised me in trying to find out more about these is the utter dismissal and contempt shown toward so-called "tourist pieces" by people in PNG collector groups. "Worthless," "no value" and "tourist garbage" are phrases I've seen repeated. That's dramatically different responses from what I've seen in tiki circles--and I know tiki folk can be snobs in their own way.

The attitude is striking, because I know in the Pacific Northwest Native American artists are creating modern versions of traditional carvings and regalia specifically for the art market and these pieces command high values. Contrast that with PNG art, where villagers create masks and carvings using traditional materials and techniques, yet collectors deem these as worthless if they weren't actually used in yam ceremonies, etc. It's stunning.

I have no interest in selling any of my pieces regardless of their intrinsic value. For many PNG experts, resale value is the only thing that matters.

Oh, and I need to get that book! Off to check ABE...

Post #814067 by Prikli Pear on Sat, Oct 12, 2024 10:53 AM