The Gilner Pottery Company was a family affair, owned and operated by Beryl Gilner. (It has been said that his son Burt was involved with the company, but that cannot be confirmed) They produced various ceramic goods out of their Culver City, California plant from 1934 - 1958. Contrary to popular belief, Gilner Pottery did not meet its end due to a factory fire in the late '50s. Rather, the Free Trade Act of 1956, signed by the US with Japan, flooded the market with cheaper knockoffs, making it challenging for Gilner to compete.
Best known for their pixie figurines (elf-like figures), they were also responsible for numerous TV lamps, often depicted in a rather art-deco style, and a wide catalogue of animals and other collectibles. In tiki collections, the pieces most often collected are from the "Happy Cannibal" line that is often grouped as Black Americana. Some of these pieces are obviously African caricatures but others include surfboards or other props and have more of an "island" native feel.