Jougs or witch's collar

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Jougs, also known as witch's collars, were used to hold offenders by the neck and expose them in a public place for censure and ridicule. This example, with padlock, is from the old church of Clova in Angus.

The collar has a ring for attaching 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: 000-100-001-344-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.MR 14
• Date: 17th - 18th century
  17th or 18th century
  
• Material: Jougs / collar
  
• Dimensions: 155 mm x 120 mm (Padlock); 30 mm W x 70 mm Dia (Neck-ring)
  
• What: Jougs / collar
  
• Subject: Instruments, of torture (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Angus, Clova
  
• Event:
• Description: Jougs with a padlock and key, from the old church of Clova, Angus
  
• References:
• Translations:
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