Shrew's fiddle
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(Expanded, drawing on http://www.informedconsent.co.uk/dictionary/Shrews_fiddle/) |
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[[Image:Fiddle001.gif|thumb|A modern shrew's fiddle from [http://www.cuff24.com/ Martins Rigid Cuffs]]] | [[Image:Fiddle001.gif|thumb|A modern shrew's fiddle from [http://www.cuff24.com/ Martins Rigid Cuffs]]] | ||
[[Image:Fiddle2.jpg|thumb|A more traditional fiddle from [http://www.steel-bondage.com/catalog/product_info.php?pName=fiddel-neckhand&cName=combinations www.steel-bondage.com]]] | [[Image:Fiddle2.jpg|thumb|A more traditional fiddle from [http://www.steel-bondage.com/catalog/product_info.php?pName=fiddel-neckhand&cName=combinations www.steel-bondage.com]]] | ||
− | A '''Shrew's fiddle''' is a variation of a [[yoke]] or [[rigid irons]] whereby the wrists are locked in front of the bound person by a hinged board or steel bar. The name '''Shrew's fiddle''' derives from the fact that if the device is made from wood it can be shaped to look like a violin. | + | A '''Shrew's fiddle''' is a variation of a [[yoke]], [[pillory]] or [[rigid irons]] whereby the wrists are locked in front of the bound person by a hinged board or steel bar. The name '''Shrew's fiddle''' derives from the fact that if the device is made from wood it can be shaped to look like a violin. |
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+ | It was originally used in the 18th century as a way of punishing women who were caught bickering or fighting. | ||
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+ | The shrew's fiddle was used in places such as Germany and Austria, where it was known as a Halsgeige, meaning "neck viola" or "neck violin". It was originally made out of two pieces of wood fitted with a hinge and a lock at the front. The shrew's fiddle consisted of three holes. One was a large hole for the neck and the other two were smaller holes which fastened the wrists in front of the face. A bell was sometimes attached to this portable pillory, to alert townspeople that the victim was approaching so that she might be mocked and otherwise humiliated. Another version was a "double fiddle" by which two people could be attached together face-to-face, forcing them to talk to each other. They were not released until the argument had been resolved. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== |
Revision as of 03:37, 25 April 2009
A Shrew's fiddle is a variation of a yoke, pillory or rigid irons whereby the wrists are locked in front of the bound person by a hinged board or steel bar. The name Shrew's fiddle derives from the fact that if the device is made from wood it can be shaped to look like a violin.
It was originally used in the 18th century as a way of punishing women who were caught bickering or fighting.
The shrew's fiddle was used in places such as Germany and Austria, where it was known as a Halsgeige, meaning "neck viola" or "neck violin". It was originally made out of two pieces of wood fitted with a hinge and a lock at the front. The shrew's fiddle consisted of three holes. One was a large hole for the neck and the other two were smaller holes which fastened the wrists in front of the face. A bell was sometimes attached to this portable pillory, to alert townspeople that the victim was approaching so that she might be mocked and otherwise humiliated. Another version was a "double fiddle" by which two people could be attached together face-to-face, forcing them to talk to each other. They were not released until the argument had been resolved.
See also
External links
- www.halloweenfear.com: how to make a shrew's fiddle
- www.steel-bondage.com: A German manufacturer of Shew's fiddles and other rigid irons
- Martin's Rigid cuffs Designers of very high quality metal bondage cuffs and fiddles