Iranian self-flagellation whip (zanjir)
This is the "darkest" item I have. It´s an Iranian flagellation whip made of chains, attached to a turned wooden swivel handle. The second pic shows the construction of the handmade chains. This is genuine, no tourist item, no toy. History: the seller got this from an elderly man who traveled a lot during his life. He brought it from Iran in the late 1940s. The ritual of self-flagellation is still practised during the holy week (Ashura) by Shiite muslims in Iran.
Origin:
Iran
Category:
Odd
Purpose:
Punishment/flagellation