Hopefully a specialist will reply more precisely to you, but headshaving was
done to both men and women.
Headshaving was picked up in France after WWII when women who had "slept
with the enemy" were rounded up, had their heads shaved, and were paraded
through towns. Men who had profited from the soldiers or negotiated with
them were never socially castigated. The BBC has a very powerful
documentary about this.
Dr. Mary Keller
Religious Studies
University of Stirling
Stirling, FK9 4LA
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> ----------
> From: gail-edwards
> Reply To: Forum for the discussion of gender related to the study and
> practice of religion
> Sent: Monday, December 4, 2000 4:59 pm
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: HEADSHAVING OF HERETICS/WITCHES
>
> Hi everyone,
> I've been away for quite a while, so if this query has already cropped up
> in recent weeks, please forgive!
> A friend has asked me about the practice of shaving the heads of
> convicted witches & heretics before burning, in the middle ages. Could
> anybody suggest any sources/discussions that could be of use please?
> (other than the Malleus Mallificarum.)
> Was this a practice inflicted only on women or did it also happen to
> men?
> Any help would be gratefully received,
> Best wishes,
> Gail.
>
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