Tikis for America

One of the more unusual cargoes to leave W. Samoa was shipped out of Apia in June. It consisted of a consignment of “genuine South Seas tikis,” made to order by Samoan craftsmen under the guidance of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H.

Carter, Americans resident in Fiji.

Working from drawings and photos of the real thing, the Samoans carved a series of artifacts representative of the ancient art of Easter Island, the Marquesas, and Western Pacific Groups.

The interesting order was executed for

“Skipper Kent” of the well known Skipper Kent’s Restaurant in San Francisco. The images will gaze with sneering contempt on diners and dancers from positions about the restaurant.

The complete works occupied several Samoan carvers for 10 weeks. They are executed in 2 Samoan hardwood, from green logs, which, as they dry, will give the authentic ancient, cracked appearance.

Here they are lined up in Apia before they were shipped.