Shame masks in Bernau: A look at past punishments!

Shame masks in Bernau: A look at past punishments!

In the past few weeks, the museum in the executioner's house in Bernau has caused a stir with a special exhibition: We're talking about the shame masks that were part of the historical shameful punishments. This form of punishment was widespread in the late Middle Ages and early modern times and was considered a milder punishment for offenses such as petty theft, slander or insults. As Barnim Aktuell reports, the punishment of shame is primarily aimed at the public humiliation of the convicted people.

The best-known variant of these criminal proceedings was the display in the pillory. The punished person was tied up in a public place and had to face the ridicule of passers-by. But the use of shame masks also played a central role. One of the masks on display is almost completely closed, has dog ears, tiny eyes and a strange nose, while the second mask is simple, made of only a few iron straps and has openings for the eyes and mouth, making it look very uncomfortable. It is believed that the mask could also be heated, making the punishment even more difficult.

Public humiliation and social isolation

As part of the disgraceful punishment, bailiffs or criers accompanied the condemned through the city and loudly announced the crime they had committed. According to Wikipedia, such honor punishment often led to a drastic reduction in legal capacity and thus to social exclusion. After being found guilty, many of those punished were no longer able to participate in social life and were subject to constant stigma. The use of the pillory in particular was a widespread punishment, used in more than 50% of cases.

For many, the honor punishment not only meant temporary social ostracism, but also long-term isolation, as their shame remained visible and they were often excluded from guilds and similar social collectives. It was a severe blow for the people affected and their families, who often suffered from the stigma they endured.

The museum in the executioner's house and its opening times

The museum in the executioner's house is not only dedicated to shameful punishment, but also tells the stories of those affected and the social conditions of the time. The exhibits offer an impressive insight into the past and bring the dark sides of justice to life. The museum is open on the following days:

• Dienstags bis freitags: 9 bis 12 Uhr und 13 bis 17 Uhr
• Samstags, sonntags und feiertags: 10 bis 13 Uhr und 14 bis 17 Uhr

Exploring these historical punishments is not only educational, but also stimulates reflection on the development of the legal system and our understanding of law and justice. Visit the museum in the executioner's house and learn more about the punishments that were once used to discipline, but often also stigmatize, people.