Pear of Anguish

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The Pear of Anguish ("Poire d'angoisse") was an alleged torture instrument shaped like a pear with several lobes, which was inserted in the victim's mouth, anus or vagina. Upon insertion, the handle could be turned, causing the lobes to separate, preventing the removal of the pear.

Copies of this device are found in several European museums.

The 1898 Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable [1] refers to 'choke-pear' as being a tool used by robbers. I'Inventaire général de l'histoire des larrons of 1639 [2][3] also appears to have a similar mention, referring specifically to the use of the choke-pear in the mouth by robbers.

Despite modern speculation that the device might have been used by the Spanish Inquisition, there is no historical context for the claims. A vaginal pear appears in Ken Russell's 1971 film The Devils, where it is used on an accused witch.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Choke-pear. Bartleby.com.
  2. ^ (French) "La redoutable poire d'angoisse/Une expédition du voleur Palioli".
  3. ^ Thieves. www.forum-hes.nl. Antiquariaat FORUM B.V..

[edit] External links


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