-Saving Bank- still bank c. 1930

Editor: This intriguing metal sculpture, called "-Saving Bank- still bank," dates back to around 1930. Its circular form and worn texture give it a somewhat antiquated feel. What are your thoughts on this piece? Curator: This seemingly simple object opens up a complex dialogue around American history and cultural representation. Notice the Native American head within the central circle. How does that imagery strike you, given its historical context? Editor: Well, the image feels like it could be appropriative, especially on something promoting savings. Was it common to use Indigenous imagery this way? Curator: Exactly. It was, and still is, a practice deeply embedded in power dynamics. The commercial use of Indigenous figures normalizes a history of dispossession and exploitation, turning a people into a brand. This "still bank," meant for saving, ironically mirrors the ways in which Indigenous wealth and resources were, and continue to be, extracted. Does that layer of irony shift your initial perception? Editor: It certainly does. I saw a vintage object, but now I see a complicated statement about cultural appropriation and economic disparity. It's not just about saving money, it's about who gets to save and at whose expense. Curator: Precisely! And it highlights how deeply ingrained these systems of representation are in our everyday objects. The "innocence" of this bank is precisely what makes it so potent in revealing these hidden narratives. Editor: It's eye-opening to consider how even the most ordinary objects can carry such a weighty history. I’ll never look at antique objects the same way again. Curator: And that’s the power of engaging with art critically; to unearth these layered stories and question the narratives we inherit.