Page "Hojōjutsu" Paragraph 8

The second category was effected with one or more “ main ropes ” or “ honnawa ” which like the torinawa could be any one of many different lengths, but was a proper hemp rope, possibly six or more millimeters in diameter and as much as eighty feet long — which was used to provide a more secure, long-term binding than is possible with the torinawa for transportation to a place of incarceration, restraint at legal proceedings, and — in the case of particularly severe crimes — for the public display of the prisoner prior to execution by such methods as beheading, crucifixion ( i. e., the prisoner was displayed tied to a cross before spears were driven through the body ), or, in arson convictions, death by fire.