My new Tangaroa!

Below are photos of my newest addition to the Pi-Yi Grotto - a genuine Tangaroa fresh from Rarotonga! My parents went on vacation to the South Pacific and since they were spending some time in the Cook Islands I had them look up Michael Tavioni whose work was featured in Douglas Nason's "Night of the Tiki" and they were successful! He's about 18" inches tall and weighs about 10 pounds - any tips on upkeep? I'm really concerned about the guy cracking considering the climate difference between there and cold ass Bel Air Maryland. Also, any suggestions on how to display it? I was contemplating just getting a small shelf for him alone and putting it up on the wall but I'd really like some other ideas...

Nice! You should have had them bring two, one for you and one for trade!

I am not the expert, but if he's cured well already, not problems. Is the bottom raw wood? If so, he'll dry out the bottom and maybe having it where it can breath would help, as he is likely to dry up there in your climate. In the house though, I doubt it'll be a big concern.

Any suggestions on upkeep on this guy? He's already developing cracks on the top of his head and he's starting to lose his luster...tung oil perhaps?

On 2004-03-02 13:02, johntiki wrote:
Any suggestions on upkeep on this guy?

How about a little excercise and viagra.

Congrats on your new addition Johntiki!

[ Edited by: Unga Bunga on 2004-03-02 14:27 ]

Nice tiki JT. Thats my favorite style. Anyways something you can do to let air get under him and help out the mold from growing on the table(IF ITS STILL WET) is set some chop sticks or something small so air will flow threw the bottom of his feet. Any wood coming from the south seas will crack due to climate change. Can't stop it.

aloha

Thanks for the tips Gecko - I'll follow your advise - what do you recommend to shine him up?