source or remove historically testicle cuffs may have been used by the slave traders of western africa as a means to subdue newly captured males in processions to markets the males were bound to each other in single file formation usually by the hands with ankle manacles in place the testicle cuffs extended between the legs and each man was connected to the next by a rope between their genitals these tight metal bindings on their scrotums were to ensure that a quick pace was kept for if a man were to stop walking the rope would pull and cause quick sharp pain in the genital region doesn't sound vaguely historical source it or i'll remove it