IF you think your life is a torture, think again!

Find out how people were really tortured and punished during medieval times at the Tortura 2 exhibition at Bastion House, Malacca from Nov 13 up to Feb 28 next year.

 

The unique exhibition features 200 pictures, diagrams and actual instruments of torture and punishment from various parts of Europe. It depicts the disturbing, yet captivating methods and materials used by those in authority over citizens of different races, religions, languages, social status, gender and opinions from the norm.

 

With real artifacts, the exhibition – held for the second time in the country in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia – portrays an era of brutality and savagery.

 

“This time around there will be 100 artifacts on display as well as murals to highlight the many cruel methods used to punish those who went against authorities during medieval times,” said Well Ad Communications operations manager, David Oh.

Shown in many historical and illustrious cities across Europe, Japan, Argentina and Mexico, the one-of-a-kind display was first presented in Malaysia in 2003. Having over 30,000 visitors in the span of four months then, the organisers hope to receive at least 50,000 visitors this time around.

Malacca was chosen as the venue because of its rich European history spanning the colonial eras of the Dutch, Portugese and English. Records show that some of the instruments of torture used were closer to home. This includes the barrel, the bone breaker and the gallows, which may have been used here.

Some of the interesting displays at the exhibition will include the Inquisitional Chair, used in central Europe up till 1846. The Chair submerges women or those indicted by local law courts in rivers, swamps and lakes. Each dipping lasted a few seconds, while the victim was seated on it naked with belts tightened slowly so that the spikes penetrated the flesh.

“I hope the Tortura 2 exhibition will bring in more local and foreign visitors to the museum and Malacca,” said Melaka Museums Corporation (PERZIM) general manager, Khamis Abbas, who was at Muzium Rakyat to sign an MoU between PERZIM and the organiser.

He also expressed hope that the exhibition will educate the public on the consequences of acting on negative thoughts and realise the lesson behind it all – to be a better person in society.

Visitors are likely to see the co-relation between Malacca’s past and some of the artifacts on display. Students too, will have the chance to satisfy their curiousity on the rich colonial history of Malacca as well as Tortura’s more flashy and fleshy attraction.

The organisers are planning to take the exhibition to Kelantan and Terengganu after February 2010.

Tickets for Tortura 2 are priced at RM10 (adults), RM5 (children aged seven to 12) and RM28 (family of two adults and two children).

Call 014-364 2232/2212 or visit www.tortura.com.my for details.