Baunscheidts Lebenswecker (0554)
Index: 0554
Year: 1860-1900
Maker: Carl Baunscheidt, Germany
Dimensions: 23 x 3 x 3 cm
Info
Baunscheidts Lebenswecker also called "Life Awakener" or "Artificial Leech".
Made in ebony wood with steel pins. The front thread is broken and the cap missing. The cap would protect from the needles when not in use. Total length of the instrument is approx 23cm with maximum diameter 3cm.
The idea of the instrument was to draw pain away from other parts of the body by inflicting pain with the "Lebenswecker". Toxic oil was applied to the skin after which the skin was pierced with the needles ... This type of healing “Baunscheditismus” was done in the second half of the 19th century.
