Flagellation, flogging or whipping is the act of beating the human body with special implements such as whips, rods, switches, the cat o' nine tails, the sjambok, the knout, etc. Typically, flogging has been imposed on an unwilling subject as a punishment; however, it can also be submitted to willingly and even done by oneself in sadomasochistic or religious contexts.
Prisoners at a whipping post in a Delaware prison, circa 1907
Painting of the flagellation of Jesus which illustrates the pain the punishment causes.
Punishment with a knout (Russia, 18th century)
Public flogging of a slave in Brazil – work of German painter Johann Moritz Rugendas (1802–1858)
A whip is a tool or weapon designed to strike humans or animals to exert control through pain compliance or fear of pain. They can also be used without inflicting pain, for audiovisual cues, such as in equestrianism. They are generally either a firm stick designed for direct contact, or a flexible line requiring a specialized swing. The former is easier and more precise, the latter offers longer reach and greater force. A hunting whip combines a firm stick with a flexible line.
A type of whip known as a riding crop pictured with a U.S. dollar bill for size comparison.
A leather cat o' nine tails pictured with a U.S. dollar bill for size comparison.
A set of romal reins, featuring a quirt at the end of the romal
Whip made in Silesia, Poland, made to enhance its cracking sound, used in folk Easter celebrations of Siuda Baba
