Where spanking implements are concerned, I consider myself sufficiently well-educated. I thought, until recently, that I knew every instrument of spanking worth knowing about, at least among what the Western civilisation had to offer.
That was until Mija discovered the “palmer”, which was a medieval education aid. It’s a “stick with a round, flattened head with which to slap students palms.” So, a sort of paddle, but for the hand! I want one.
I was particularly fascinated to find that it’s also called “palmeta” in Spanish and “palmatoria” in Portuguese, which just shows you how international spanking implements were in medieval times.
Excuse me while I picture myself as a medieval young woman who disguises herself as a boy in order to take calligraphy lessons. The master is armed with a palmer, which has a wicked sting, but when I hand out my hand for punishment, my eyes must remain dry. All the boys are looking on to see if I’ll cry from this chastisement. I mustn’t cry; I mustn’t.
Haron, here’s one in action! Just like you described, except for that odious little girl looking on with glee…see the hopeless calligraphy attempt on the floor?
http://www.abcgallery.com/S/steen/steen20.html
Oh, fantastic!!!
I’m so thrilled by that picture! Thank you candycane. I’m linking to it from the post on el tercer ojo too!
[Bowing, blushing] At your service, ladies. You are very welcome. I thought you’d like that one.
Great Implement, great picture… I want one too.
My calligraphy is shameless, being left-handed it ends up as one big smudge, I’d be in such a lot of trouble
Haron,
Hanson’s paddles offers a piece called the ferule that is very much as you describe here.
Take a look:
http://paddlewerks.com/contents/en-us/d24.html
(At your own risk!)
Ms. Betty