  [SPOILERS] One of the 2 "twists" of The Village is the knowledge Ivy Walker (Howard) learns regarding "those we do not speak of. " In fact they do not exist. As her father says, "it is a farce. " The Elders of the village use bones, skins, and other natural materials to fashion boogeymen suits.
Dressing up as the horrible creatures reinforces the myth of evil that lives in Covington Woods. The woods completely encircles the village. By using this fear through legend and eye witness reports, the elders ensure that no one will ever go exploring beyond the borders of the settlement. In turn, when those lacking fear have been so daring as to proceed beyond the boundaries, the boogeymen reek havoc (slaughtering the live stock), as retribution and reinforce the notion of fear.
In a tactic normally used by religion and often politico-religious positions, fear is used to acquire power and control of children, subjects, citizens, and worshipers. This tactic is completely antithetical to a "Free" society such as the one we have touted here in the United States (supposed separated from religion as well). Enter, the Texas Prince. "Since it is difficult to join them together, it is safer to be feared than to be loved when one of the two must be lacking," Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince (1532) 
