Jar still bank c. early to mid 20th century

This unassuming jar still bank was made by an anonymous maker. Banks like these were common objects in homes and general stores. But they are also interesting historical documents. The rise of mass-produced pottery like this, often called 'utilitarian ware', coincided with the rise of consumer culture. Banks are explicitly linked to money, and speak to a new social emphasis on saving and personal finance. This particular bank is interesting because it is anonymous. Was it commercially produced, or perhaps made in a school or institution? The lack of identification underscores a growing separation between maker and consumer. Understanding vernacular objects like this one requires delving into probate records, advertisements, and trade publications. These sources can reveal how ordinary people interacted with the burgeoning economic systems of their time, and how these everyday objects shaped social life.