Description:

Historically, the branks was used as an instrument of punishment and a form of torture and public humiliation for women that were taken to gossip and overall riotous speech. In order to mirror the punishment for verbal iniquities, an iron muzzle in an iron framework that enclosed the head was crafted. A bridle-bit, about 2 inches long and 1 inch broad, projected into the mouth and pressed down on the top of the tongue. In some other more torturous models you may find a spike or blade attached to the curb plate causing a piercing or laceration of the tongue if the accused were to try to speak.