2. The Iron Collar and Neck Braces
Enslaved individuals who attempted to escape or violated plantation rules were often subjected to iron collars and neck braces as punishment. These devices, sometimes equipped with spikes or bells, inflicted physical pain and restricted movement. The spikes prevented the wearer from lying down or leaning against surfaces, while the bells served as a constant reminder of their transgression. Such collars were also used to deter future escape attempts and to publicly mark individuals as punished (via thestoryoftexas.com).
