The Spanish donkey, also known as the wooden horse or chevalet, was a historical torture device. It was designed to inflict severe pain and humiliation upon victims. It was used to coerce confessions and punish individuals.
Anatomy of the Device
The Spanish donkey consisted of a wooden frame, often resembling a sawhorse or a gymnastics pommel horse. Its most distinctive feature was a sharply angled, triangular beam positioned at the top. This upward-facing edge was made of wood, with planks nailed together to form an elongated, pointed ridge.
The device stood between 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 meters) high and was supported by four legs. Some variations included wheels at the base, allowing it to be moved. In some instances, a head and tail were attached to make the device resemble a large wooden horse.
The Torture Process
Victims were forced to straddle the device’s sharp, triangular edge. They were often stripped and positioned on the wooden structure, with hands bound behind their back. The victim’s entire body weight would press down on their perineum, the area between the anus and genitals, or their pelvis.
Torturers attached weights to the victim’s ankles to intensify suffering. These weights, sometimes muskets or heavy objects, increased the downward pressure, causing the sharp edge to cut deeply into the flesh. The prolonged pressure could lead to severe bruising, lacerations, and deep tissue damage in the genital and perineal areas. In extreme cases, the perineum and scrotum could split open, and the sacrum, the triangular bone at the base of the spine, could fracture. This process could result in disfigurement, permanent disability, significant blood loss, and even death from shock or infection.
Historical Background
The Spanish donkey originated in France during the 12th century, associated with the Holy Inquisition. From there, its use spread across Europe to Spain and Germany, and later to the Americas during the colonial period. The device was employed in various judicial systems for extracting confessions or punishing perceived wrongdoers.
It was notably used during the Spanish Inquisition, a period from the late 15th to the early 19th century characterized by religious zeal and persecution. During this era, the Spanish donkey was used to extract confessions and punish those accused of heresy. The device also saw use in the American colonies, with documented instances during the American Revolutionary War and even the American Civil War by Union guards against Confederate prisoners.
Enduring Significance
The Spanish donkey is a symbol of historical interrogation and punishment practices. It represents a chapter in the history of torture devices, reflecting societal attitudes towards control and submission. Its legacy continues to influence discussions about human rights and the evolution of ethical standards in punishment.
The device is remembered for the physical and psychological torment it inflicted, serving as a reminder of past cruelties. Depictions and historical accounts often feature the Spanish donkey, highlighting the lengths to which authorities would go to maintain power and enforce obedience. Its historical impact underscores the shift from such methods to contemporary approaches focused on dignity and rehabilitation.