Hot Coals is a participatory and research based artwork, in which a collective approach of reshaping the Scold’s Bridle is practiced.
The Scold’s Bridle was a punishing device used primarily in Europe during the medieval and early modern periods. It consisted of a metal mask or headpiece with a bridle bit inserted into the mouth, that could be forced into the mouth to prevent the wearer from speaking.Originally it was designed as a means to publicly humiliate and punish individuals, often women and marginalised people, accused of being "scolds"—a term used to describe someone who was outspoken, quarrelsome, and did not obey the emerging patriarchal and capitalistic systems.
The design of the Scold’s Bridle, or Schandmaske, normally included animal features and plant ornaments representing the misdoings of its wearer. Those multi-species features carried symbolic significance, depending on the context and cultural beliefs of the time. For example, a long nose might symbolise nosiness or gossip, while a protruding tongue could represent insolence or impertinence.
Therefore, the Scold’s Bridle is an artifact of the criminalisation not only of the female but also of the nonhuman kin. A deep listening and raising of voices to establish multi-species communities is more needed than ever. Hot Coals attempts to offer a space with which to reclaim the Scold’s Bridle and transform it from a symbol of oppression and silencing into one of entanglement, resilience, and collective voices, challenging historical narratives.
The participators of the artwork are asked to shape their own mask using clay. To help the process and offer various insights into the history of the Scold’s Bridle, cards will be offered with experimental/fragmented visuals and information. Additionally, there will be instructions on how to use those cards, which will offer various spreads.
Special Workshop before the conference begins:
Saturday, 27 September 2025 | 11:00–14:00 with Corinna Duschl. Participants will create clay masks that critically reimagine this legacy, exploring intersections of gendered violence, folklore, and non-human voices. The artefacts will be fired and included in the exhibition; upon request, masks can be sent to participants afterwards. Please register in advance: adreschk@uni-koeln.de
Corinna J. Duschl (she/they) works and lives between Cologne, Germany and Reykjavík, Iceland. With their work, they attempt to create situations that bring us in relation to the troubled ecologies of our time. This artistic research often results in interactive installations, using various forms of media. Corinna’s works have been shown in numerous exhibitions, both nationally and internationally.
