Scold's bridle

Schandmasken were instruments for implementing the honor penalty in the 17th century. The condemned was placed a mask he had to wear one or more days. Most of these masks were made ​​of metal and had the look of an abstract animal head with specific characteristics for the offenses committed. Such was, for example, large ears on the mask for a person who listens, or a protruding tongue for talkativeness.

The Schandmaske belonged to the honor penalties and was applied to the convicted for smaller offenses to reveal him to ridicule. Most of the condemned man stood in the pillory with a sign around his neck, on which was his offense. So could any citizen who passed the pillory, the person taunting.

The Schandmaske is on the title of a book by Minette Walters.

Medieval Schandmaske in the museum of the fortress Salzburg

Schandmasken in Senvelenturm ...

In Vicosoprano ...

Schandmaske for evil men

Scold 's bridle

As a scold 's bridle (about Plappermauls bridle ) or branks a similar device was described, which was used in Scotland and England. The tongue of the punished with a thorn provided metal plate was kept at bay.