US quarters depicting non-Western cultures

[<k>]

USA, 25 cents, 2009.  Guam.




USA, 25 cents, 2009.  Northern Marianas.

We see a similar piece of statuary on these two designs.

What is their history and significance?

[<k>]

Which other US quarters depict non-Western cultures?

[Figleaf]

Why quarters only? Think of the Sacagwea dollar.

Peter

[quaziright]

I imagine several of the women's series quarters

[brandm24]

I can can't think of any except maybe Hawaii...doubtful though. There's probably none in other series that I can think of off hand.

Bruce

[brandm24]

The features on both coins are called latte stones and were used as architectural features on dwellings by the indigenous peoples. Used as foundation stones or support columns.

Bruce

[<k>]

The features on both coins are called latte stones and were used as architectural features on dwellings by the indigenous peoples. Used as foundation stones or support columns.

Thank. So nothing to do with coffee, then. 

It seems that there is still some debate about the purpose and uses of these structures.

[<k>]

USA, quarter, 2012.  Chaco culture.

Chaco Culture is a network of archaeological sites in northwestern New Mexico which preserves outstanding elements of a vast pre-Columbian cultural complex that dominated much of what is now the southwestern United States from the mid-9th to early 13th centuries. It includes Chaco Culture National Historical Park, the associated sites at Aztec Ruins National Monument, and five additional protected archaeological areas. The Chacoan society reached its height between about 1020 and 1110.These sites were a focus for ceremonies, trade, and political activity and they are remarkable for their monumental public and ceremonial buildings and distinctive multi-storey "great houses." The sites were linked by an elaborate system of carefully engineered and constructed roads, many of which can still be traced. These achievements are particularly remarkable given the harsh environment of the region.

The highly organized large-scale structures, featuring multi-storey construction and sophisticated coursed masonry, illustrate the increasing complexity of Chaco social structure, which distinguished itself within the regional culture of the ancestral Pueblo and dominated the area for more than four centuries. The high incidence of storage areas indicate the probability that the Chacoans played a central economic role, and the great size and unusual features of the ceremonial kivas suggest that complex religious ceremony may have been significant in their lives.

See:  Chaco culture.

[<k>]

Why quarters only? Think of the Sacagawea dollar.

My topic title states: "depicting non-Western cultures".

Women looking like Sacagawea have appeared in MANY Westerns. 

[brandm24]

Thank. So nothing to do with coffee, then. 

It seems that there is still some debate about the purpose and uses of these structures.

Their use does seem to be clouded. At least it appears to be an architectural element of some sort.

Shame about the non-coffee thing... as the poster downs  a cup of extra strong wake-up joe.

Bruce

[<k>]

USA, quarter dollar, 2009.    American Samoa.

[brandm24]

The three objects on the reverse of the coin are the Ava Bowl, whisk and staff. They're all used at ceremonial events and are depicted on the official seal of American Samoa.

The Ava Bowl is used for ceremonial drinks made especially for special events. The whisk and staff identify important people in attendance.

"Samoa Muamua Le Atua" is the motto of Samoa and translates to "Samoa, God is First."

Bruce

[<k>]

From Wikipedia:

The Samoan word ʻava (pronounced with the glottal stop) is a cognate of the Polynesian word kava.

It is associated with the kava cultures in Oceania.

Both terms are understood in Samoa.

Solomon Islands, 1 cent.




Samoa, 1 tala, 2011.




Tonga, 50 seniti, 2015.




Fiji: 1 cent and $2 coins.

[brandm24]

Very interesting, <k>. Thanks so much.

Bruce