13th/15th Century Majapahit Piggybank
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Description
Antique 13th / 14th Century Majapahit Terracotta Piggybank
Region: Trowulan East Java Indonesia
Period: 13th – 15th Century
Height: 7cm / Â 2.5 inches
Length: 10cm / 4 inches
Height including wood stand: 9.5Â / 3.5Â inches
Length of wood stand: 13cm / 5Â inches
This is an authentic Ancient Majapahit Terracotta Piggy Bank from the 13th to the 15th Century. It is an original early example of the Piggy Bank. First known piggy banks originated in Indonesia during the era of the Majapahit Empire. It is to be enjoyed as part of ancient Javanese history – and will make an excellent and interesting gift, ideal for desk or shelf display.
Terracotta pottery was an important craft during the Majapahit era. Many terracotta finds are of small female heads with hairstyles and ear ornamentation representing ladies belonging to the upper classes. Most figurines are found decapitated, suggesting their use as effigies or religious offerings to the gods for bountiful harvests. It is also thought that they were secular play objects, cast aside once broken. Complete figurines are rarely found compared to the many headless figures or heads without bodies.
The Majapahit Empire of Eastern Java flourished during the 13th-16th centuries. It was a powerful and wealthy maritime Empire that controlled most of the trade routes through the Strait of Malacca and the Java Sea.
