previously published in the Lifestyle Column of the Gorean Voice
"The condition of slavery does not require the collar, or the brand, or an anklet, bracelet or ring, or any such overt sign of bondage. Such things, as symbolic as they are, as profoundly meaningful as they are, and as useful as they are for marking properties, identifying masters, and such, are not necessary to slavery. They are, in effect, though their affixing can legally effect imbondment, ultimately, in themselves, tokens of bondage, and are not to be confused with the reality itself. The uncollared slave is not then a free woman but only a slave who is not then in a collar. Similarly a slave is still a slave even if her brand could be made to magically disappear or, if she has been made a slave in some other way, if she has not yet been branded." pg 273 Renegades of GorOn Gor, it was much easier to distinguish the free from the enslaved, society permitted and encouraged the use of brands and collars to identify property. Here, the symbols are not as frequent, and society is not as nonchalant about their open display. Iron collars are rarely soldered onto the necks of young bond maids, nor is it as easy to brand a female as just taking her to the local metal worker's shop.
Norman discussed on the psychological impact of varied markings, from the brand to the collar to the piercing of ears. Some of these symbols of slavery may lack significance in our society where ear piercing is a casual event. Often it becomes more of a "why" we do things rather than "what" the actual things are. While others may not understand the significance of a steel necklace, anklet, tattoo or brand... the slave knows... and just the mere presence of it can be a delicious reminder of her nature even when she is wearing a power suit or in other situations where her slavery may not be obvious to observers.
Norman describes two specific types of markings in the books, and their different uses:
"The brand is to be distinguished from the collar, though both are a designation of slavery. The primary significance of the collar is that it identifies the master and his city. The collar of a given girl may be changed countless times, but the brand continues throughout to bespeak her status. The brand is normally concealed by the briefly skirted slave livery of Gor but, of course, when the camisk is worn, it is always clearly visible, reminding the girl and others of her station." pg 187 Outlaw of GorThis makes sense, even in today's society. Since no one is guaranteed a permanent ownership, even with the best of intentions, it simply makes sense for the man to permanently mark his property as "slave" but to save the personal markings for something that he can remove when his ownership of her ends. To do otherwise is to invite a fate similar to the sad tales of those lovestruck unfortunates who tattoo a lover's name on their flesh, only to have the relationship fall apart six weeks later.
The marking of a slave is a giant step, a crossing over a point of no return. When a woman's body is touched, by a man's will and not her own free choice, with inked needles or hot iron, she can no longer say, "I was just playing." The truth of her choices, and of her owner's choices, is right there on her skin, silent but unavoidable. For those of you who have decided it is indeed time to mark your property, here are a few thoughts:
Brands have a powerful symbolism, but they also carry some disadvantages compared to tattoos. Sometimes, brands will heal completely over the course of a few years, whereas tattoos are typically more permanent, unless deliberately and painfully removed. Tattoos also lend themselves to finer detail; the scarring from a brand will widen a bit from the original strike, so more intricate designs don't really lend themselves to that technique.
The most-commonly discussed slave marks in the Gorean community on Earth are, of course, the staff-and-fronds of the classic Kef, and the rose for a Dina. Think very carefully before placing a more personal sort of mark on your slave... just because a certain woman will always be, by nature, a slave, doesn't necessarily mean that she'll always be your slave. Norman thought, and I agree with him, that the owner's name should only be indicated on collars or tags which can, if necessary, be removed.
If you do decide to go for branding, make sure you're dealing with an experienced and skillful practitioner, and certainly don't try this at home. Fakir Musafar in San Francisco and Pere, in Chicago, are both reputable branders; there are plenty of others, but do your research first.
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