Iron chastity belt, c, 16th century
- Made:
- 1501-1600
Iron chastity belt with red velvet lining, possibly 16th century
Red velvet lining gives some comfort for the wearer of this hinged, metal chastity belt. The heavy belt is locked with a key. It is thought chastity belts were invented in the Middle Ages to prevent women having sexual intercourse. However, recent arguments suggest they are nothing more than Victorian myths. Documentation connected with this object claims it may date from the 1500s, but more likely it was made in the 1800s.
Details
- Category:
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A641277
- Materials:
- iron
- Measurements:
-
folded: length 145 mm
folded: width 350 mm
folded: height 60 mm
- type:
- chastity belts
- credit:
- Barber-Lomax, J.W.
Parts
Iron chastity belt, c, 16th century
Iron chastity belt , possibly 16th century
- Measurements:
-
overall: .315 kg
overall (padlock): 15 mm x 33 mm x 36 mm,
overall (belt, as shown in the image): 128 mm x 270 mm x 255 mm,
overall (key): 5 mm x 26 mm x 10 mm,
- Materials:
- iron
- Object Number:
- A641277 Pt2
- type:
- chastity belts
