Witch's collar

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A witch's collar, also known as 'jougs', was used to hold offenders by the neck and expose them in a public place for censure and ridicule. This iron example was formerly owned by the parish of Ladybank in Fife. It dates from the 17th century.

The collar has serrated edges and a ring for the attaching of a chain. The chain would usually be fastened to the kirk wall or gate, or to a post or tree.

Witch's collars were common in Scotland from the 16th to the 18th century. They were used to punish people who had been tried before the local Kirk Session.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-362-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MR 43
• Date: 17th century
  
• Material: Iron
  Collar, witch's / jougs
  
• Dimensions: 90 mm H x 155 mm D
  
• What: Collar, witch's / jougs
  
• Subject: Instruments, of torture (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Fife, Ladybank
  
• Event:
• Description: Witch's iron collar or jougs formerly owned by the parish of Ladybank in Fife
  
• References:
• Translations:
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