2006.008.0001
Shackles
Physical Object
2006.008.0001
Nuestra Señora de Atocha (1622)
circa 1620
Wrought iron shackles from the galleon Atocha were used as restraints and punishment for prisoners. Two U-shaped pieces were fitted over a person’s ankles. Each U has looped ends for a straight iron rod to fit through. The rod has a flared head larger than the loops; a pierced slot in the opposite end received a wedge-shaped forelock pin. When the pin was driven in the slot and bent, it locked the U-shaped shackles to the bar and held the prisoner. Shackles of this style are known as grilletes in Spanish, and bilboes in archaic English. 46.8 x 17.1 (larger shackle) x 16.5 (smaller shackle) x 5.1 (bolt head) cm. Locking pin attached.