A very rare male chastity belt. Iron structure with the purpose of binding the loins. In 17th and 18th Century, chastity belts were used not only to guarantee faithfulness, but also to protect women from rape, to prevent prostitutes not paying taxes to practice their profession, to prevent onanism (considered a pathology in 19th century), and protect from sexually transmitted diseases. Similar belts could have also been used to protect the central part of the body during combats. Provenance: Turkey. 18th century.