Acts of penance, to Goddess 'Paththini', Avissawella, Sri Lanka.

Cradle of ropes.

Suspended by hooks in the skin.

Acts of penance or acts to fulfil a vow are parts of religious traditions from times immemorial. Here is one such scene from a Hindu religious procession to Goddess 'Paththini'.
Video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLQAINZfwYI