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Punishment of female debtors in Abyssinia (Ethiopia)
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Punishment of female debtors in Abyssinia (Ethiopia)
Punishment of female debtors in Abyssinia (Ethiopia), East Africa - tied up with a chain until they pay their debts! Date: circa 1930s
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Media ID 18074930
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Abyssinia Abyssinian Chain Chained Chains Crime Debt Debtor Debtors Debts Ethiopia Ethiopian Punishing Punishment Roadside Shackles Upturned Tied Up
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This poignant photograph captures the harsh reality of debt punishment in Abyssinia, now known as Ethiopia, during the 1930s. The image shows a group of women, their faces etched with worry and despair, chained together at the ankles and wrists, with upturned baskets beside them. They are tied to a tree or post along the side of the road, a stark reminder of their inability to pay their debts. The Ethiopian legal system during this era was known for its unique approach to debt collection. Debtors, often women, were publicly shamed and punished until they were able to settle their debts. The use of chains and shackles was a common method employed to ensure compliance. The women in this photograph appear to be of various ages, some with children in tow, highlighting the far-reaching impact of debt on entire families. The upturned baskets suggest that they may have been forced to abandon their daily tasks, further exacerbating their financial struggles. Despite the progress Ethiopia has made in modernizing its legal system, this image serves as a sobering reminder of the historical and ongoing challenges faced by those in debt. It also underscores the importance of fair and equitable debt collection practices, which respect the dignity and human rights of all individuals.
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