Chris Salter's message about pigs reminded me of another British pig/wealth
connection. In 19th century (and earlier, but my research focused on th
e 19th century) Wales, the cottager class (umm, think of them as Welsh
sharecroppers) used the family pig as the main source of wealth. While in
food shortages the pig might be killed for food, it was mainly used as a
status/wealth item and was thus vitally important to the family in question.
Combined with Chris Salter's example it's easy to imagine "piggy banks"
originating with the Victorian Bourgeoisie (I can't believe I just used that
word), but this remains pure speculation.
Alasdair M. Brooks
Archaeology Lab Supervisor
Jefferson's Poplar Forest