Jar still bank c. 19th century

This small, anonymous jar still bank was made from humble terracotta. It is a simple, utilitarian object. You can almost feel the maker’s hands shaping the clay, pinching the form, and carefully smoothing the surface. Perhaps they used a potter's wheel, perhaps just skillful hands. This object speaks to the way we learn to save. The very act of depositing coins into the slot becomes a ritual, instilling values of thrift and delayed gratification. Terracotta itself is a democratic material, accessible to almost everyone. In this context, it reminds us that even the most common substance can be imbued with cultural significance. The maker of this bank may not have considered themselves an artist. Yet, through the act of creation, they participated in a long and important history, one where craft and utility converge. By understanding the material and the making, we gain a deeper appreciation for the everyday objects that shape our lives.