Pig still bank c. 20th century

Editor: Here we have a ceramic sculpture, "Pig still bank," dating from around the 20th century and residing here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It’s kind of cute, honestly. The glossy brown and white glaze gives it this plump, almost edible quality. What kind of story do you think this piggy bank is telling? Curator: Well, consider the pig as a symbol throughout history. It's often been associated with prosperity, abundance, and…capitalism. The seemingly innocent form of the piggy bank actually embodies a much larger social structure, incentivizing the accumulation of wealth, particularly for children from a young age. What does it mean, culturally, to instill this saving habit so early? Editor: I never thought about it like that. I guess I just thought of it as a way to teach kids about saving! Is there also a historical element? Curator: Absolutely. The rise of these kinds of consumer objects coincided with shifts in economic policies. The early to mid-20th century witnessed a growth of consumer culture where even children become targets, constructing a lifelong relationship with financial systems. Editor: So it’s more than just a cute animal figure? Curator: Precisely. It serves as a physical reminder of a relationship to economics that dictates our values, a connection we are introduced to from a young age. Think of the narratives we construct around money – access and class mobility. It forces us to really look at something we typically view as a benign part of our childhood with a new critical perspective. Editor: This makes me think differently about the piggy bank's role in shaping perspectives on value and security! It's really fascinating. Thanks! Curator: It's always eye-opening when we begin to question and contextualize the things we often take for granted, isn’t it?