Majapahit Terracotta “Piggy Bank”

This Majapahit boar is an example of an ancient creation that has become a cultural staple in our world today—the piggy bank. Although there are several theories about the origins of the piggy bank, the first money-depositing object in the shape of a pig emerged in Java, Indonesia in the 14th century. Made from terracotta, these small boars were made in many sizes and feature rounded bodies with a coin slot at the center of the spine. Finding these objects intact is rare since the many were destroyed in order to collect their contents; this larger sized boar, however, remains perfectly intact with great details along the face and hooves, demonstrating a great level of craftsmanship.