Pair of penitent's spiked leg bands, Europe, 1501-1800

Made:
1501-1800 in Europe
Pair of penitent's spiked iron leg bands, European, 1501-1800 Pair of penitent's spiked iron leg bands, European, 1501-1800

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Pair of penitent's spiked iron leg bands, European, 1501-1800
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Pair of penitent's spiked iron leg bands, European, 1501-1800
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Pair of penitent's spiked iron leg bands, European, 1501-1800

These leg bands were worn around the ankles, spikes facing inwards, as a type of penance. Penance in the form of prayers is carried out by some Christians in the hope of being forgiven for their sins. Christian belief during 1501-1800 taught that illness and disease were the result of sin. Penance was carried out by fasting and, in some cases, by inflicting physical harm on one’s self.

At the time of the Black Death – and during later outbreaks of plague – groups of fanatical penitents would travel from town to town, beating themselves, wearing such spiked devices and flagellating their skin. These deeds were presented as acts of repentance for the world’s sins – the penitents believed God was punishing these sins by means of the plague.

Details

Category:
Wellcome (general)
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A88805
Materials:
iron and cloth
Measurements:
overall: 40 mm x 230 mm x 90 mm, .06kg
type:
leg bands
credit:
Wellcome Trust (Purchased from Stevens)