Post #309743 by bigbrotiki on Wed, May 30, 2007 8:23 AM

Great save there, Bob. How thrilling to see that tattered Tiki leaning against the wall in the exact same angle than it was shot in the B&W photo.
That photo sure looks like the Tonga Lei, after the torch poles and outriggers have been cut off. I remember the TL also being part of a Motel so the top floor in the photo makes sense. Also, Rick Ellis was resident of Malibu, so it would make sense that he supplied the place. The Tiki itself certainly is a fine example of the Ellis/Bumatay style.