Pillories were devices, usually in wood or metal, erected in public places to hold for a limited time (e.g. one or two hours) a petty criminal for public humiliation. The criminal might also be subject to physical punishment, like whipping, torture or abuse by the crowd, sometimes lethal. Pillories were often more elaborated than necessary for their purpose, in order to convey the power of the legal, feudal, or regal authorities, as deterrent. Pillories have been used until the mid-19th century.
This stamp issue depicts the eight types of Portuguese pillories (pelourinhos or picotas, the latter being the old popular name), from top left to bottom right: a spindle pillory in Linhares, a pine pillory in Azinhoso, a slab pillory in Soajo, a Bragantine pillory in Bragança, a coluço pillory in Frechas, a cage pillory in Sernancelhe, a tray pillory in Vila de Rua, and a ball pillory in Arcos de Valdevez. Many pillories were destroyed by the liberals after they won the Civil War, but fortunately several have been restored and became nationally listed monuments, due to their artistic and historic importance, reminding us of the never-ending capacity of man for cruelty.
The stamps were designed by Luiz Duran, lithographed by the Mint on enamelled paper sheetlets of 4×4 se-tenant stamps forming two sets, with perforation 12×12½, and issued on 19 September 2001.
| Stamp | Print run | Afinsa | Gibbons | Michel | Scott | Yvert |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linhares | 400,000 | 2807 | 2881 | 2534 | ||
| Azinhoso | 400,000 | 2808 | 2878 | 2531 | ||
| Soajo | 400,000 | 2809 | 2879 | 2532 | ||
| Bragança | 400,000 | 2810 | 2880 | 2533 | ||
| Frechas | 400,000 | 2811 | 2885 | 2538 | ||
| Sernancelhe | 400,000 | 2812 | 2884 | 2537 | ||
| Vila de Rua | 400,000 | 2813 | 2883 | 2536 | ||
| Valdevez | 400,000 | 2814 | 2882 | 2535 | ||
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