Click
on the image then:
A=zoom in Z=zoom
out ESC=default
Gossip’s bridle
This iron mask, known as a mordacchia (instrument for immobilizing the tongue) or “gossip’s bridle”, had a hinged fastener to which a chain with a hook was attached. This one was found in the River Adda, at Pizzighettone.
According to tradition, the “gossip’s bridle” was used to punish quar-relsome, slanderous women, but the more plausible theory is that it was put on women accused of witchcraft. The hook was used to hang the “witch” from the ceiling and she was kept in that position for many hours.
