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LicenseThis image is released under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Licence
License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library
License
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Iron chastity belt with padlock and key, not original, possibly 16th century
A 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.
This iron chastity belt is decorated with a flower design and a heart pierced with arrows. The padlock that is associated with it is not the original one.
Details
- Category:
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Contraception
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A641274
- Measurements:
-
folded: height 253 mm
folded: width 140 mm
- type:
- chastity belt
Related Objects
Spermicidal pessaries, ointment and jelly, early 20th century.
Spermicidal Pessaries, 'Clinocap' brand, England, 1925-1955
