Ornate circumcision knife with ivory handle

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Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Small, ornate circumcision knife with triangular blade and carved, cylindrical ivory handle, c. 1780

Circumcision – the removal of the foreskin of the penis – is practised across the world often for cultural and religious reasons. In some countries it is also promoted for reasons of hygiene and health. In Britain, circumcision is mainly carried out in connection with religious practices. In the United States it remains the most common surgical operation and well over fifty per cent of the male population are circumcised.

Details

Category:
Surgery
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A610550
Materials:
steel, brass and ivory
Measurements:
overall: 10 mm x 108 mm x 22 mm, .22kg
type:
circumcision knife
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust