-Can- still bank c. mid to late 19th century

Editor: This is '-Can- still bank', made in the mid to late 19th century out of metal and ceramic. It has such a rustic, almost nostalgic feel to it. What social issues can you unpack from this "common" decorative art object? Curator: The very act of saving—especially among working classes in the 19th century—was deeply tied to notions of social mobility and self-reliance. This bank, seemingly simple, speaks volumes about economic agency. Consider that this coincides with increased industrialization. Editor: Right! How did that affect people’s perceptions of money and its power? Curator: It created both new opportunities and stark inequalities. Saving was touted as a virtue, a way to escape poverty, while the system itself often trapped people in cycles of debt and dependence. Think about labor movements that arise during this time, advocating for fair wages. The bank isn't just for storing coins; it's a symbol laden with that era's economic tensions and aspirations. Who do you think would be most encouraged to use this bank? Why would it be necessary? Editor: Probably people from disenfranchised communities like children or new immigrants who were learning about financial safety, and being encouraged to develop the practice of saving their wages. Curator: Exactly! Its "folk art" aesthetic adds another layer. What could its functionality and beauty mean? Editor: Perhaps, that this utilitarian item brought a bit of beauty into difficult and precarious situations. Now I’m considering this little bank as something more potent than I initially thought. Curator: These seemingly everyday objects carry entire social histories.