Shackles have been used for thousands of years to restrain prisoners, with evidence found in prehistoric sites. They have not evolved much and can be designed in various ways, including with locks. Shackles were also used to restrain slaves and have a Latin root meaning “foot.”
Shackles are restraints designed to be worn on the ankles, restricting the wearer’s freedom of movement. Many countries use them to transport and handle prisoners, and some consider the long-term use of shackles on prisoners as acceptable, leading to some controversy in the international community. Some museums have interesting collections of ancient bindings, which illustrate the evolution of this simple but effective tool.
Evidence suggests that humans have used various restrictions on each other over a long period of time. Archaeological excavations at prehistoric sites have unearthed evidence of crude shackles, and historical evidence from cultures in many regions of the world indicates that they have been in common use for thousands of years. They also haven’t evolved much since their original incarnation, although modern versions tend to be more comfortable and easier to protect. The basic design includes two rings designed to secure the ankles, linked together with a short chain or rod to restrict movement.
Logs can be designed in a variety of ways. For example, they can be designed much like handcuffs, with a pair of adjustable cuffs connected by a heavy chain. They can also take the form of solid leg irons, making walking even more challenging for the wearer by connecting the ankle cuffs with a stiff piece of metal. In some cases, they may be designed so that the handcuffed hands can be shackled to the chain connecting the shackles, ensuring that a prisoner is securely held.
The word Fetter shares the Latin root ped, meaning “foot,” and the word went through a number of twists and turns before entering the English language in the 1300s. Someone wearing these restraints is said to be “chained,” and the idea in the sense of lack of freedom is also used metaphorically in many English-speaking countries. Historically, in addition to being used to secure captives, chains were also used to restrain slaves for transportation or punishment.
The early logs lacked locks, fitting together in a variety of clever ways designed to make removal difficult. The use of chain locks didn’t become widespread until locking technology became more affordable, allowing manufacturers to build locks into their own restraints. The modern versions, of course, all have locks and may have safety features built in so they don’t injure the studs they are used on.
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