THE OCEANIC ARTS: VINTAGE TIKI COLLECTION AUCTION

Auction Details

Since 1956, one company has been at the epicenter of the mid-century, pop-culture, stylistic phenomenon known as TIKI. If POLYNESIAN GODS, EXOTICA MUSIC, HAWAIIAN HULA GIRLS and TROPICAL COCKTAILS are the lifeblood of the American Tiki movement, OCEANIC ARTS has been its beating heart. With a dream and a handshake, Robert Van Oosting and LeRoy Schmaltz embarked on an extraordinary journey that even they had no idea would go on to influence style around the world and yes, even the finest in American kitsch. From TRADER VICS and DON THE BEACHCOMBER to SEA WORLD and DISNEYLAND, Oceanic Arts has been supplying a tropical backdrop for fantasy and fun. Their hand-made décor has graced the finest restaurants and hotels of the world, as well as the dingiest dives; Glorious theme parks from California to Florida to the cheesiest roadside miniature golf courses. Countless backyard luaus and home tiki bars have been enriched with their wonderful art. No job was too big or too small for this Whittier, California manufacturer. Modestly, they’ve done it all.

Upon the occasion of Bob and LeRoy’s retirement and for the first time in their 65-year history, artifacts which make up the very soul of OCEANIC ARTS are available for purchase.

This includes Warehouse Showroom Samples, Master Pattern Carvings, Rental Department Inventory and rare ephemera from their vast Archives Library. For decades, collectors and general Tiki enthusiasts have been met with the dreaded NOT FOR SALE tags all over the OA Warehouse. Today, those tags have been set aside.

Now, PEEKABOO GALLERY is proud to offer the greatest collection of Mid-Century Commercial Polynesian-Pop artifacts ever to come on the market: THE OCEANIC ARTS VINTAGE TIKI COLLECTION!

Here is a rare opportunity to own a piece of history, direct from the original source. POLYNESIAN LAMPS, PAINTINGS, CONCEPT ART, VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS, EPHEMERA, DISNEY THEME PARK RARITIES, TIKI MUGS, HAWAIIAN CLOTHING and rare, one-of-a-kind TIKI CARVINGS are all on offer. This is undoubtedly, the largest intact vintage Tiki collection to ever come to the market and frankly, most probably ever will.

Join us as we bid farewell to Bob and LeRoy and wish them, ALOHA, OA!
PLEASE FOLLOW THE SCROLL and BID BUTTON FOR THE MOST ACCURATE BIDDING STATUS. THE LIVE CAMERA/SOUND MAY LAG.

Buyers premium is 23%

PLEASE BE AWARE OF SIZING ON ITEMS. Note the dimensions in the descriptions for items that may be oversized. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. All items are to be paid for BEFORE shipping can be arranged. Shipping estimates can be provided by our third-party shipping partners. Note lot numbers of inquiry to give to shipping partners.
Choose Your Layout > Switch to Grid View Switch to List View
RARE - LIFE SIZE MAHOGANY PAIR IGOROT HUNTER & HUNTRESS WITH CHILD.651 - RARE - LIFE SIZE MAHOGANY PAIR IGOROT HUNTER & HUNTRESS WITH CHILD.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Early 20th Century) A monumental pair of detailed Philippine Ifugao figures standing on bases. Impressively carved from one piece of Mahogany, Pre-WW
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold for (1,800.00 + 360.00BP) = 2,160.00
 
Details...Bookmark
EXQUISITE LARGE MARQUESAN MAHOGANY TIKI FIGURE FROM NUKA HIVA.652 - EXQUISITE LARGE MARQUESAN MAHOGANY TIKI FIGURE FROM NUKA HIVA.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Certainly one of the jewels of the OA Primitive Arts Collection. This piece must be seen in person to truly appreciate it’s imp
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold for (5,500.00 + 1,100.00BP) = 6,600.00
 
Details...Bookmark
A CLASSIC TAHITIAN/MARQUESAN CANNIBAL CARVING.653 - A CLASSIC TAHITIAN/MARQUESAN CANNIBAL CARVING.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) A quality Polynesian kneeling Tiki figure with wide open mouth clutching a captive person. Figures such as this were iconic in the forma
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold for (3,500.00) = 3,500.00
 
Details...Bookmark
ABORIGINAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA HOUSE FRAGMENT BARK PAINTING with BIRD.654 - ABORIGINAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA HOUSE FRAGMENT BARK PAINTING with BIRD.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) A palm spathe painting featuring a Cockatoo Bird and clan motifs in bold polychrome paint.19"x10.5".VG Various pierced holes...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold for (265.00 + 60.95BP) = 325.95
 
Details...Bookmark
MOUNTED GILBERT ISLAND KIRIBATI SHARK TOOTH SWORD.655 - MOUNTED GILBERT ISLAND KIRIBATI SHARK TOOTH SWORD.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Mounted on a board. Constructed of wood, woven fiber and dozens of pierced and attached shark teeth.42"x5.5" plaque, 35"...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold for (800.00 + 184.00BP) = 984.00
 
Details...Bookmark
PAPUA NEW GUINEA ABELAM - MAPRIK BIRD MASK.656 - PAPUA NEW GUINEA ABELAM - MAPRIK BIRD MASK.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Ancestor mask with bold polychrome natural pigments. Severely angular nose/ beak.14"x5.5".VG+ with typical wear.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 300.00
Sold for (600.00 + 138.00BP) = 738.00
 
Details...Bookmark
PAPUA NEW GUINEA ABELAM MASK.657 - PAPUA NEW GUINEA ABELAM MASK.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Old Abelam mask, having layered pigments with the addition of scarce vivianite mineral Blue paint. Some minor chips and loss with old wo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold for (425.00 + 97.75BP) = 522.75
 
Details...Bookmark
PAPUA NEW GUINEA ABELAM HOUSE MASK.658 - PAPUA NEW GUINEA ABELAM HOUSE MASK.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Oval plank-like house mask with classic polychrome paint.18"x6.25".VG+ with typical wear.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold for (500.00 + 115.00BP) = 615.00
 
Details...Bookmark
PAPUA NEW GUINEA ABELAM FULL FIGURE.659 - PAPUA NEW GUINEA ABELAM FULL FIGURE.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) A traditional Abelam male “Ngwalndu” figure. The headdress with stylized Cockatoo Birds. Retains much of its bold pigm
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold for (450.00 + 103.50BP) = 553.50
 
Details...Bookmark
EXCEPTIONALLY UNCOMMON ABORIGINAL CEREMONIAL ANCESTRAL RANGGA POLE.660 - EXCEPTIONALLY UNCOMMON ABORIGINAL CEREMONIAL ANCESTRAL RANGGA POLE.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Feathered & painted RANGGA POLE from Yirrkala, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. The Rangga is the most sacred of the ce...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold for (950.00 + 218.50BP) = 1,168.50
 
Details...Bookmark
ABORIGINAL STINGRAY TIPPED PRESTIGE STAFF.661 - ABORIGINAL STINGRAY TIPPED PRESTIGE STAFF.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Early 20th Century) Wood staff used as an emblem of status and or for “hunting magic”. The top with cluster of attached Stingray Ba
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 1,500.00
Sold for (800.00 + 184.00BP) = 984.00
 
Details...Bookmark
SAMOAN BARBED SPEAR.662 - SAMOAN BARBED SPEAR.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Hardwood with relief-carved complex multi-pronged stacked barbs. The tip with descending harpoon-like barbs. Excellent craftsmanship and
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold for (850.00 + 195.50BP) = 1,045.50
 
Details...Bookmark
VANUATU MALEKULA JANUS MASK FROM THE NAMBA PEOPLE.663 - VANUATU MALEKULA JANUS MASK FROM THE NAMBA PEOPLE.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) A conical hat mask made of wood, rattan, clay, fiber and Boar’s Tusks. Ceremonially used, featuring two faces with applied Boar
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 700.00
Sold for (1,100.00 + 220.00BP) = 1,320.00
 
Details...Bookmark
IRIAN JAYA WOVEN FIBER CUIRASS BODY ARMOR.664 - IRIAN JAYA WOVEN FIBER CUIRASS BODY ARMOR.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Early 20th Century) Make of bent wood framework with woven rattan. The extremely tight weave and angled riser projections stopped arrows and spear fr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold for (700.00 + 161.00BP) = 861.00
 
Details...Bookmark
PAPUA NEW GUINEA JANUS GOPE BOARD MASK.665 - PAPUA NEW GUINEA JANUS GOPE BOARD MASK.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) A transitional style with dual faces on either side. Vibrant pigments with inset Cowrie shell eyes.24.5"x5".VG+ with typical...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold for (650.00 + 149.50BP) = 799.50
 
Details...Bookmark
ABORIGINAL BARK PAINTING.666 - ABORIGINAL BARK PAINTING.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Arnhem Land Dot painting with natural ocher pigments of stylized snakes, birds with a quadruped. Possibly by artist Binyinuwuy22"...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold for (225.00 + 51.75BP) = 276.75
 
Details...Bookmark
LARGE ABORIGINAL ILLUSTRATED DIDGERIDOO.667 - LARGE ABORIGINAL ILLUSTRATED DIDGERIDOO.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Aboriginal Arnhemland painted didgeridoo. Fragile ochers.50"x3".VG+ with typical wear.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold for (500.00 + 115.00BP) = 615.00
 
Details...Bookmark
PAPUA NEW GUINEA ABELAM FULL FIGURE.668 - PAPUA NEW GUINEA ABELAM FULL FIGURE.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Male figure with bold paint. Natural wood separation on headdress.31.25"x7".VG+ with typical wear.
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold for (700.00 + 161.00BP) = 861.00
 
Details...Bookmark
PAIR (2) OF ABORIGINAL BARK SHIELD PAINTINGS.669 - PAIR (2) OF ABORIGINAL BARK SHIELD PAINTINGS.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Pair of oval bark paintings with natural earth pigments. Possibly Victoria for the wing and pendant motif bark, the other Arnhem Land. S
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold for (300.00 + 69.00BP) = 369.00
 
Details...Bookmark
ABORIGINAL TIWI PAINTED RELIQUARY CONTAINER.670 - ABORIGINAL TIWI PAINTED RELIQUARY CONTAINER.
Peekaboo Gallery
(Mid-Century) Also known as an ABO, this colorfully painted cylinder would be made out of hollowed out limb ends, filled with human remains and sealed
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold for (900.00 + 207.00BP) = 1,107.00
 
Details...Bookmark