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Artifact

Manacles

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Martha's Vineyard Museum

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About this artifact

The long duration of whaling voyages and the cramped living quarters sometimes led to arguments and fighting among the crew. The captain had to ensure strict order, which could mean beatings or restraints. These manacles, or shackles, could have been used by the captain to punish an unruly sailor. "Irons" is another term used for manacles.

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