Head trip

Tiki culture washes ashore again

by Suzanne Kammlott

BALI HIGH: in photo, from left, tiki bobblehead doll, coasters, spiral notebook, appliquŽd T-shirt, and skirt.

The tiki aesthetic -- in all its native hilarity and bold wood carving -- captured the American imagination right after World War II, when sailors from the South Seas theater returned with stories of strange drinking cups, oversize deities, and giggling island babes sporting coconut brassieres.

Now it's back. Three or four years ago "you couldn't give this stuff away," says Brooks Morris of Buckaroo's Mercantile, in Cambridge. "But ever since the whole lounge trend came back in fashion, it's hot."

Morris's store is a veritable paradise for
island-themed items: a carved-god-patterned mouse pad is $8; spiral-bound note pads are $7; drink coasters are $14 for four; seven-day votive candles are $9. And for $8, you can pick up a bobbleheaded Tiki Nodder "to oversee the festivities."

Local designer Calavera produces a bold print skirt with a colorful montage of tropical/cocktail images, available at the Garment District for $28. Top it off with a tiki-appliquéd little black T from Buckaroo's for $18 ($17 for the white version).

In Polynesian mythology, the tiki represents the first man -- kind of like Adam with exaggerated features. Why Adam comes as a cup, we're not so sure, but retreads of the classic tiki cup can be found at Urban Outfitters for $6. Or try www.tikitrader.com (pineapple and coconut mugs, $6.95) or www.islandmadness.com, each of which has page after page of amazing vintage mugs and countless artifacts.

If you're really into the tiki thing, tikitrader.com will sell you a five-foot-tall replica giant tiki head for $149. And finally, you can paddle down to Boston Costume for one of those coconut-shell bras ($8). Not since the Brady Bunch stepped off the mainland has the tiki wave been this high.

Retail sources mentioned in this article:

Boston Costume, 69 Kneeland Street, Boston, (617) 482-1632.

Buckaroo's Mercantile, 858 Mass Ave, Cambridge, (617) 864-3637.

Garment District, 200 Broadway, Cambridge, (617) 876-5230.

Urban Outfitters, 361 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 236-0088.