Sjambok

Called The original hippo whips, depending on the region also Sjambok (South Africa), Chicotte (Congo) or Kiboko (East Africa), were made from hippopotamus or rhinoceros skin, because it is very durable. Due to protection of species and for price reasons but often strong, flexible plastic is now used.

From tamers the stretch version with up to 7 meters in length, is preferably used. There is a small leather ball at the top. This increases the force applied by the whip and is therefore particularly suitable for pachyderms.

The hippopotamus whip ( Swahili: Kiboko ) was used, inter alia, in the German colonies to carry out corporal punishment. She tore large holes in the skin of offenders who sometimes even died as a result.