HexenI'm really interested in the study of European witchcraft from 1400 to 1700, a time filled with panic where anyone could be accused of being a witch—elderly people, children, and even nobles. However, women were the main victims of this hysteria, leading to countless lives lost.

One key text from this time is Malleus Maleficarum, or The Hammer of the Witches, which was published in 1487. This book discusses witchcraft in detail, outlining how to identify, interrogate, and torture suspected witches. It was approved by the church and played a major role in fueling the witch hunts of that era.

The book argues that women are more easily tempted by the devil, making them more likely to become witches. It includes specific details on how to spot witches based on physical traits, behaviors, and supposed "devil's marks" on their bodies.

The methods used to get confessions from accused witches were often brutal, especially targeting women's bodies. Suspects were stripped and searched for these marks, and if found, they faced horrific torture, including being burned at the stake or having hot metal poured into their bodies.

The Hammer of the Witches is a chilling reminder of the misogyny and cruelty that fueled the persecution of women during this dark chapter in European history. It reflects the fear and hysteria of the time, resulting in the tragic loss of many innocent lives.
Released: 2013
Material: Handmade collage