#schandmaskes

[reallifeishorror]

Various medieval shame masks (also known as  Schandmaskes).

They would be fixed over the heads of anyone breaking  social rules and worn publicly in an effort to control the behavior of society. 

The designs of the masks hint to the social crime, for example exaggeratedly long tongues would indicate that wearer was a gossip. [X]

More here [X]

[allmask]

Schandmaskes / Mask of Shame

During the medieval period and the Renaissance, and even into the age of Early Modern Europe, there were methods, rituals, and punishments to control and condemn behavior. One of the way was to use  Mask of Shame.

This Schandmaske ( as Germans called) from Austria from the 17/18th century.

"wagging tongue" to show that the wearer was an unapologetic gossip.

http://sites.ashland.k12.ma.us/historywithw/home/medievalshame