13. Forced Wearing of Punishment Masks
Enslaved individuals accused of offenses such as lying or consuming crops were sometimes subjected to punishment masks, also known as iron muzzles. These devices, made of metal cages or grills, were fastened over the face, effectively locking the mouth and preventing normal speech or eating. The use of such masks caused physical injury and inflicted psychological trauma, serving as a tool for control and public humiliation (pbs.org).
