Photo by Wiele and Klein 



POLE SWINGING 



Here we see the devotee swinging from the high pole, to which he is attached by ropes 

 fastened to an iron hook inserted in the muscles of the back. This devotion was practiced, 

 notby professional holy men, but by ordinary laymen, during periods of intense religious 

 excitement engendered during the exercises at a festival. 



1311 



