The scolds bridle also known as the “branks mask” was a terrifying mask usually made of solid iron. It was used for over 400 years to literally silence women. The device physically pins a woman’s tongue down…a chastity device of the mouth so-to-speak, or not to in this case.
The saying "hold your tongue" is an old reference to this device. Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew refers to the practice of the husband fitting this device to his wife's head, rendering her speechless.
Made in many different styles, some husbands allowed their wives to pick the style they preferred and even adorned them with scrolls or gold paint. A lighter weight chain could be used to ease the burden on the neck and shoulders while being chained to the wall of their home.
This example has donkey’s ears on it and some even had horns, all the more to humiliate the woman as she was paraded through the town. The townspeople would jeer and abuse and sometimes kill the victim. The metal flat piece extended into the mouth and was placed over the tongue. Usually it had at least one spike on it to inflict punishment. Some had longer pieces that extended farther into the mouth with multiple studs or sharp blades.
This bridle has an exaggerated length of tongue to remind everyone the reason of its use. This item was widely used in Germany.
Some had a bell attached to them alerting bystanders to the approach of the victim.
The scolds bridle was later used in the American colonies to prevent slaves from eating dirt to commit suicide. A common problem as slaves led horrific lives with no hope of escape. The bridle also served as a reminder that the slaves were to be treated the same as the livestock they were auctioned off with.
The bridle also made its way to New England with the pilgrims and was used to silence those who spoke heresies against the church.
Scolds bridles have become re-popularized over the past decade in the world of S&M. Lady Gaga wore a replica of a pig faced bridle in a live performance….I wonder if she knows the history behind the masks?
A modern-day scolds bridle.