![]() ![]() The branks often included an attached chain for imprisoning the wearer in public. Besides the obvious wounds that these mechanisms inflicted, the cages also muffled screams and prevented effective communication. These tongue-pieces included spikes or thorny wheels called rowels and would be shoved into the captives’ mouths. ![]() Some of these cages featured tongue-pieces called “the branks” or “scold’s bridle,” which originated in 16th century Scotland before journeying to America via England. ![]() Eye gouging or branding with white hot prongs often would follow the prisoner’s restraint. Restraining the victim’s arms and legs as well, which would crush any hope of escape or bodily defense. Prisoners would be forced to wear the head cage, which locked the head in place, while their jailers tortured them. Throughout the years, law enforcement bodies used the facial harness, better known as the “head cage,” as a method of torture. Torture was ubiquitous and inevitable as both an investigative and punishment technique for serious crimes. Hundreds of years ago, grisly torture techniques were the norm.
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