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Two Hindu ascetics or holy men, one performing self-torture. Gouache painting by an artist of Thanjavur (Tanjore), ca. 1800 (?).

A Hindu ascetic or holy man performing self-torture, accompanied by a woman. Gouache painting by an artist of Thanjavur (Tanjore), ca. 1800 (?).

Top: Chinese men seeking alms by threatening to kill themselves by self-mutilation, one (left) kneeling to hit his head against a rock, and the other (right) with burning herbs on his head; below, a monk being whipped as a punishment for promiscuity. Engraving by C. Du Bosc after B. Picart after J. Nieuhof.

A Hindu ascetic or holy man: suspended by a hook and two spikes inserted through the muscles of his back. Gouache painting by an Indian artist.

Chinese men seeking alms by threatening to kill themselves by self-mutilation}: (left to right) two men hitting their heads against each other; a man kneeling to hit his head against a rock; a man with burning herbs on his head; a standing man hitting his head with a rock. Engraving after J. Nieuhof.

Bishop Frigidian (Fridian, Frediano) flanked by Saint Lucy, a donor, Saint Ursula and Saint James. Drawing by F. Rosaspina, c. 1830, after G. Francia.

A Hindu ascetic, or holy man: with a rod piercing his cheeks, and holding some ceremonial objects. Wood engraving, ca. 1890 (?).

A Hindu ascetic, or holy man: with two rods piercing his upper arms, and holding a trident in each hand. Coloured stipple engraving, 1828.

A beaver hiding from hunters and biting off its own testicles to leave them as their catch. Etching by W.S. Howitt.

The what the why the coping and the scars.

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A Hindu ascetic or holy man performing self-torture, accompanied by a woman. Gouache painting by an artist of Thanjavur (Tanjore), ca. 1800 (?).

The what the why the coping and the scars.

Bishop Frigidian (Fridian, Frediano) flanked by Saint Lucy, a donor, Saint Ursula and Saint James. Drawing by F. Rosaspina, c. 1830, after G. Francia.

A Hindu ascetic, or holy man: with two rods piercing his upper arms, and holding a trident in each hand. Coloured stipple engraving, 1828.