Disgraceful (gossip) stones in Zielona Góra

Disgraceful (gossip) stones in Zielona Góra were used to punish women for gossiping, slandering and starting quarrels. In addition to paying a fine, punished women had to wear a chain around their neck, at the ends of which were placed large stones, the so-called gossip stones. The only such unique set of stones in Poland, one of only two in Europe (the other is in Mulhouse, France), is in the Museum of Lubusz Land in Zielona Góra. It belonged in 16th-17th century to the executioner from Zielona Góra. It consists of two cylindrical stones, each 21.5 cm high, 17 cm wide and 12 cm thick, connected by a chain. On the sandstone weights are engraved silhouettes of two townswomen.