What is a rattan cane?

Rattan is a wood-like reed similar to bamboo. It is exceptionally flexible and when wet, can be curled into a circle. It is often used in the manufacture of rattan woven furniture and carpet/rug beaters.

The question is "What is a rattan cane?". These canes were widely used in various lengths (20"- 36") and thickness/cross-section diametre of 1/8" - 3/8+") as a corporal punishment device in correction institutions and public and private schools mainly in Great Britain and Commonwealth countries.

Its flexibility often caused the swinging can to wrap around both buttocks and thighs. A stroke from a cane leaves a distinctive marking of a white stripe with two red stripes on each side. School masters used them quite frequently up to the mid-seventies when caning was abolished.

Proficient users would ensure that each stroke either landed in the same place or spread the strokes apart to cover all of the buttocks. The so-called "sweet spot", a regular target to aim for was the crease between the buttocks and top of the thighs which made sitting most uncomfortable.