Pig still bank c. mid 20th century

This painted terracotta pig still bank was likely made for a child to encourage saving. The bright colors and playful form must have been appealing. Yet consider the pig itself as a cultural symbol. Throughout history, pigs have been linked to wealth and prosperity, but also to greed and gluttony. How do these associations shape the meaning of a child’s first bank? Does it innocently introduce the value of saving or does it encourage acquisitiveness? The natural imagery and the pig form also evoke themes of nature and agriculture, reminding us of the sources of wealth. In a world of complex financial instruments, there's something profoundly simple about entrusting one’s savings to a humble ceramic pig. It’s a symbol that’s both endearing and thought-provoking, prompting us to reflect on our own relationship with money.