Turcas

By Crusader1307

Popular in Spain during the Late Middle Ages, The Turcas were basically vice-grips. Inside the vices were plates with raised metal bumps or studs. The Victim's fingers or toes were placed inside. Pressure was applied by turning or closing the plates of the Turcas. The pressure would horrible and prolonged. Often the device was used to specifically disfigure fingers and toes permanently! Removal of fingernails and toenails were also a popular method of extracting information.