This practice served not only to immobilize those accused of crimes but also to humiliate them in front of their communities. These unsettling photos offer a rare glimpse into the harsh realities of justice in a time of social and political upheaval, showing the burdens—both physical and psychological—that these individuals were forced to carry. A cangue (known in Chinese as jia or tcha) was a device used for public humiliation and corporal punishment throughout East Asia and parts of Southeast Asia, remaining in practice until the early 20th century. This heavy wooden collar, designed to immobilize the wearer, often resulted in severe suffering. As those forced to wear it could not use their hands freely, many prisoners starved to death, unable to feed themselves. The term “cangue” comes from the French, borrowed from the Portuguese word canga, meaning yoke—a reference to a tool used for carrying burdens. In some instances, prisoners’ hands were tied to the arms of a similar yoke-like structure. Although often translated as “pillory,” the cangue differed from its European counterpart. Unlike the fixed design of the pillory, the cangue had no stable base and had to be carried by the prisoner, making it both a physical burden and a constant source of public shame. The device was closed around a prisoner’s neck and was secured with locks or hinges along the edges. Its central opening was just wide enough for the prisoner to breathe and eat but too small for the head to slip through. Confinement in the cangue served as a punishment for a set period, with its size and weight varying according to the severity of the crime.
According to the Great Ming Legal Code of 1397, cangues were to be made from seasoned wood and weighed about 9 to 15 kg or 20 to 33 lbs, depending on the offense. In many cases, the frame was so large and cumbersome that the prisoner could not feed or drink without help, nor lie down comfortably, as their hands were restricted by the structure. The cangue would be placed on top of a cage, such that the prisoner’s feet could not quite touch the ground. Supports would be placed under the feet initially, so that he would stand without pressure on the neck. Gradually, the supports would be removed, forcing the cangue to slowly strangle him. By the 17th century, the typical cangue had become lighter and was used primarily for public humiliation. Even so, it was intended to be worn continuously for periods as long as several months in severe cases, and a heavy cangue weighing as much as 160lbs (roughly 73 kg) could be used.
(Photo credit: RHP / Wikimedia Commons / Flickr with permission by M. Johnson). Notify me of new posts by email.
Δ Subscribe
