1 U.S. Dollar 2025 – Native American $1 Coin – Mary Kawena Pukui

Περιγραφή

As part of the Native Peoples series, a commemorative $1 coin was issued in honor of Mary Kawena Pukui, a distinguished author, researcher, and expert in Hawaiian culture. The coin also honors her work “Nānā i ke Kumu” (“Look to the Source”), one of the most important works on the traditions and values of Hawaii.

Mary Kawena Pukui played a key role in preserving the Hawaiian language, oral traditions, and cultural heritage of Hawaii. She was the author or co-author of more than 50 books and 150 articles, including dictionaries, ethnographic studies, and collections of proverbs. Her work helped reconnect many Hawaiians with their roots, making invaluable knowledge accessible to future generations.

The reverse of the coin depicts a portrait of Mary Kawena Pukui, framed by pages from the book “Nānā i ke Kumu” and traditional Hawaiian designs that symbolize the deep connection people have with their history. The design also includes an image of a kumu (teacher) passing knowledge on to a student, reflecting the central theme of her book—the return to the wisdom of the ancestors.

This coin not only celebrates Mary Kawena Pukui’s contribution to the study and preservation of Hawaiian culture, but also highlights the importance of traditions, knowledge, and their transmission to future generations.