Tiki Revival - Modern Tiki Collectors
Though tiki culture peaked during the 1950s and 1960s, today tiki collectibles remain popular with a wide group of enthusiasts. In fact, according to many, there is currently a resurgence of tiki culture. Those who weren’t old enough to remember the original tiki décor are gravitating towards this unique and exotic style. As some have noted, the appeal of tiki is nearly universal.
Today, vintage tiki mugs are coveted collectors’ items, and they are quickly scooped up from any thrift store or antique shop. As the majority of tiki bars and restaurants closed throughout the 80’s, and 90s, such stores were flooded with tiki mugs and other wares, where they sat untouched. Though they once collected dust as relics of a bygone era, tiki memorabilia is now very hot, partly because of its “camp” or “kitschy” value. Collectors enjoy the over-the-top designs, while decorators love their unique style.
Tiki memorabilia is not just seen in kitschy collectibles from years past. Tiki décor is today a wildly popular decorating style for the home. There are even modern artists who carve wooden Tiki gods that have sold out instantly to Tiki collectors. They don't need to be vintage or rare to be enjoyed by many who simply want to bring a little island style to the mainland. Though tiki décor is quite varied, Tikiphiles will remind you that tiki does not mean plastic neon Hawaiian leis and a cheap ukulele. The movement was much more sophisticated than that.
New tiki mug designs blend the traditional shape with bright new colors for a new generation. Since they are so popular, tiki mugs can also be purchased new, especially in souvenir shops or those offering tiki décor. These mugs are great to display, but even better to keep at your home bar to serve tropical drinks, as they were meant to be used.
Tiki drinks, of course, have never gone out of style. Though eclipsed for a time by the margarita and other trendy drinks, the Mai Tai is here to stay. In a unique blending of the Mexican and Polynesian cultures, a new brand of Mexican tequila has a five inch glass tiki inside the bottle.
Tiki culture has recently been covered in several newly-published books. Many of these focus specifically on the tiki mug, the most iconic representation of tiki culture, while others commemorate this unique cultural phenomenon as a whole. Thousands of tiki fans lament the demise of fun and unique tiki restaurants from the heyday of the tiki era. Tiki collectors also gravitate towards various websites and ezines covering Tiki culture, such as “Twisted Times.”
Polynesian themes can even be seen at a site at Burning Man, an annual Nevada desert gathering of artists and neo-pagans, where the Tiki Camp began around 1994. Other annual tiki events include those at Tiki Oasis in San Diego and The Hukilau at Fort Lauderdale, both popular spots where thousands of Tikiphiles gather.
Not only are there gatherings for tiki fans, but new tiki restaurants are beginning to open in what many have described as a tiki revival. The newest tiki bar has recently opened at the Venetian in Las Vegas. As new tiki-themed bars and restaurants open, the world of tiki fans is sure to grow as more people are drawn to the unique charm of tiki décor.
Rene Thompson,
Friday, October 23rd