BB-063 / Punishment

Pear of Anguish

Early modern Europe · Expanding oral/anal device

Pear of Anguish

The Act

A metal pear-shaped device was inserted and expanded by a screw mechanism, causing severe internal injury. Historical use is documented but its frequency is debated.

The Response

Declined with the end of judicial torture. Survives mainly in museum collections and historical literature.

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