CHINESE BEGGARS / MASOCHIS

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CHINESE BEGGARS / MASOCHIS

Strolling Beggars in China placing burning coals on their heads and using other austerities Date: 1752

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Media ID 20146363

© Bubblepunk

1752 Austerities Beggars Burning Charity Coals Community Heads Mutilation Placing Plait Strolling Tail Masochism

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures a scene of strolling beggars in China from the year 1752. The photograph, titled "Chinese Beggars or Masochis," depicts a group of individuals engaging in self-inflicted austerities as a means of soliciting charity from the community. The most striking feature of this scene is the man in the center, who places burning coals on his head. This act of self-mutilation was believed to demonstrate the depth of his suffering and need, and was a common practice among beggars in China during this time. The other beggars in the photograph also display various signs of self-inflicted pain, such as the man with a pig's tail plaited into his own, or the woman with a large, ornate plait made from her own hair. These practices, while extreme, were seen as a way to elicit sympathy and generosity from passersby. Despite the discomfort and pain they endured, these beggars formed a tight-knit community, relying on each other for support and companionship. The act of begging was not only a means of survival, but also a way to connect with the community and provide a sense of purpose. This photograph offers a glimpse into the complex and nuanced world of Chinese begging culture during the 18th century. It challenges our modern notions of charity and the role of suffering in eliciting compassion and support. The image serves as a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of human beings in the face of adversity, and the power of community to provide solace and sustenance.

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