Dead hand was the term attributed to fee that serfs had to pay in order to remain in the fief of the family they worked for., in the event of the patriarch's death.
This was a typical practice of feudalism during the Middle Ages throughout most of the European continent.
The dead hand was part of a series of feudal bonds that the serfs had a duty to fulfill, if they wanted to continue to enjoy the lands and military protections that the manor offered.
This medieval tax demonstrated the exploitation that the serfs suffered, because even when their parents died they didn't become free, they just continued to keep the work of their ancestors.
Among the main types of feudal bonds were: a carving (half of everything the serf produced had to be given to the feudal lord); The Corvee (free and obligatory jobs that the servant had to do for the manor); Banalities (fee for the servant to use certain locations in the manor); among others, such as Capitation, Tithing, Birth Rate, Marriage Fee and so on.
Learn more about Feudalism and the Characteristics of Feudalism.
Mão-morta is also a Portuguese alternative rock band, originally from Braga. The band formed in 1984, and since then they have more than 15 albums in their discography, in addition to 2 DVD's and more than 10 awards throughout their career.
It had several members during its career and despite being an old band, they are well known only in Europe.