The ''Flute of Shame''

By Crusader1307

One's ability to play or sing music and song was a very important commodity in The Middle Ages. Often, a “Minstrel” or a “Troupe” could make enough money to survive in a harsh World. The ''better one was'', the more of a ''name'' One made. Recruitment into Noble Homes or Courts were the obvious apex of this type of vocation. Conversely, one who did not sing or play “well enough” - could actually be convicted of a crime against the Public Peace! A popular form of punishment for “lousy” performers in 15th Century German was The Flute of Shame. Working the same way as The Shrew Fiddle, an oversized iron “Horn” was constructed for the punishment. A neck loop-lock was attached (which held the device firmly in place. The Player's hands were locked into the “Horns” note holes (often hyper-stretching the arms – for pain). Made to walk the streets wearing The Horn for several weeks, it also bought humiliation from insults (and rotten food or feces thrown – for good measure).