The “Cingătoarea purităţii,” or chastity belt, was primarily crafted by blacksmiths and saw significant use during the Middle Ages among men who lacked trust in their wives. Although these belts became prevalent in medieval times, their existence predates this era; even Homer referenced such an object in his epic, “The Odyssey.”
Chastity belts were available in two main forms: partial and total. The partial version covered only the vaginal area with a metal plate, featuring a narrow vertical slit that allowed for urination. This opening was often designed with outward-facing metal spikes (sometimes spring-loaded) to deter any potential suitor from intruding, as noted by Charles Panati in “Cartea Sfârşiturilor.”
Total chastity belts were used by men who suspected their wives of engaging in extramarital sexual activities. These more comprehensive belts encompassed both the front and rear, complicating intimate hygiene for women. In addition to the frontal slit, total belts had a larger posterior opening for defecation; however, this opening was also designed to be too small for anal intercourse, which was discouraged through an additional set of metal spikes.
Doctors of that time believed that women could wear either a partial or a total chastity belt for extended periods without adverse effects, provided they were bathed regularly, as per Panati’s observations.
