Question: What is an Overmistress?

Question: What is an Overmistress? Does an odalisque have to have an Overmistress? Then why would she need a Master?

Code d' Odalisque provides for the institution of 'Overmistress' as part of a whole range of measures designed to protect and nurture the odalisque. An Overmistress is a female mentor, guardian and counsellor for odalisques. Usually an Overmistress will be an older woman, and her role is non-sexual. She remains in contact with the odalisque and looks after her interests. She is independent of the slave's Master. Her job is to support, protect and advise the slave. A slave can contact her Overmistress at any time and a Slavemaster cannot prevent an Overmistress from inspecting and having access to the slave. The Overmistress provides practical as well as psychological support for the slave. She is the slave's confidente. Ideally, an Overmistress will be an ex-slave who fully understands the life and role of odalisque. Where necessary she may even intervene to protect a slave from an abusive Master.

It is not compulsory for an odalisque to have an Overmistress but it is advisable in many cases, especially where a slave is kept in full-time occlusion or where she consents to be involved in very hardcore types of play. Young and inexperienced women who enter odalisque slavery are also advised to arrange an Overmistress to protect and guide them. For casual and 'hobby' players an Overmistress is probably not necessary. As always, Code d' Ode looks to safe, sane, legal slave-play and is always calculated to protect the slave and put her welfare foremost. If a woman is apprehensive about entering into a Master/slave relationship then she is best advised to find an Overmistress who will keep an eye on her and look after her interests. The duties of the Overmistress are clearly set out in the Code.