Collar
- This article is part of the SM-201 Macropedia
For as long as there have been slaves, Masters have needed a way to identify his slaves and/or property. Quite often, a slave was captured in one country and then transported to another country. They didn't always speak the language of their Masters. Since working slaves were not commonly given names, a method of identification was important. These marks might have such information as the name or address of the Master.
Over time, Masters have used piercings, brands or tattoos to mark ownership. They would pierce the flesh of their slaves, placing rings or plates with ownership information written upon them. It was not uncommon to lock some type of device around wrist, ankle or neck.
If the slave were to run away, they could be easily identified as a slave and returned to their owner.
In BDSM relationships, the collar (and the collaring ceremony) are an integral part of the Master/slave relationship. Collars can be made of leather, chain, iron, steel or stainless steel. They can also be a simple piece of jewelry. It isn't so much the material of the collar as the meaning behind it.
I personally like the thought that my slave wears a gold necklace with a diamond pendant. We both know the implication of the collar she wears, while the general public does not know its importance. The gold shows value, the diamond endurance.
In BDSM, a collar is an item used to be worn by a submissive partner around neck as part of fetish wear to indicate that a person is literally owned by another person. Such collars are typically made of leather. Collars are commonly used as part of a humiliation ordeal, making the subject feel like an animal/slave. For this purpose, many collars come with one or more D-rings, and/or an O-ring or G-ring at the front, where another person can attach a leash.
Types of collars
Various groups and/or individuals recognize a series of collars:
- Collar of consideration
Main article: Collar of Consideration
This is usually a leather collar worn by the submissive at the initial stage of a D/s relationship. It indicates that he or she is under the control of a single dominant. A submissive wearing a collar of consideration can not have relationships with other dominants.
- Corset collar
- See posture collar below
- Day collar
- Main article: Day Collar
A day collar is a form of slave collar that is worn in by a slave in public. It is usually designed to appear like a piece of jewelry to avoid drawing attention to the fact that it is locked around the neck of the wearer.
- Formal Collar (or Slave Collar)
- Main article: Formal Collar
A formal collar indicates a firm commitment has been made in the BDSM relationship. It is often presented during a special collaring ceremony in front of witnesses, much like a wedding. The style and design of the collar chosen by the dominant may also have an additional symbolic meaning that refers to their relationship.
This is the highest rank collar to signify complete ownership of the submissive by a dominant partner. Some slave collars are designed with no clasp so that the wearer cannot escape the bond.
In the BDSM lifestyle, to "collar" someone indicates that the collared submissive offers his or her absolute obedience and faith to a dominant partner. The dominant has ownership, rights, and responsibilities regarding the submissive. Collaring implies that both partners agreed on their roles with a promise to fulfill each other's needs, and express mutual respect, trust and love.
- Posture collar
This is an especially tall collar usually made of stiff leather that restricts the movement of the subject's head.
- Training collar
- Main article: Training collar
A training collar usually proceeds from a collar of consideration. It is also used for BDSM sessions with unclaimed submissives who are not involved in any relationships. As a rule, this type of collar has additional rings for attaching chains, ropes, and other restraining devices.
- Turian collar
- Main article: Turian collar
A Turian collar is a rigid metal collar which is circular in cross-section. The term was invented by John Norman for use in his Gor series of science fiction books.
- Protection Collars and Mentors
- Collar (BDSM)
There are certain collaring ceremonies where couples can officially confirm their commitment to each other and even take self-styled vows. The collaring event can be held privately or publicly in the presence of friends and witnesses. Many people choose to have an online ceremony.
What links here • References and Sources • Contact info • Category:Root ⤴