Protecting the skin

One of the most important principles in Code d' Odalisque is that a slave is to be valued for the beauty of her skin and that the beauty of her skin must be protected at all times. Many of the rules and regulations in the Code are devoted to this purpose. The Code implies a deep reverence for the feminine, and a practical symbol of femininity is a woman's skin. The soft, sensuous skin of the human female is prized. Accordingly, in the assessment and grading of slaves the condition of a woman's skin is an important factor. Any marks, scars or blemishes reduce the value of a slave. Ideally a slave's skin should be spotless, pristine. An odalisque is kept naked so that the beauty of her skin is on display. This is also why tattoo-less women are preferred.

This should be a key consideration in slavekeeping. Everything should be calculated to ensure that the beauty of the slave's skin is maintained. In bondage play, for instance, bonds, ties and gags should be of a type that will not cause abrasions. Similarly, surfaces and furnishings should be such that they are not rough and do not cause abrasions. Methods of discipline should not include whipping or striking because, again, the slave's skin must be preserved from any injury. The slave is also kept from work and toil because these will age and damage her skin. A slave should not be required to cook and clean for her Master, for example, because there is a danger she will burn or scratch her skin. The luxurious state in which an odalisque is kept is designed to protect and preserve the beauty of her skin. A slave should be kept from any activity where she might possible damage her skin. Everything should be done to keep her skin in a pristine state.

For her part, a slave should look after her skin as part of her daily duties. She should preen and clean her skin, eat a healthy diet, and avoid any activity that might cause injury to her skin. Her skin is her asset. She should understand and practice skin care. This will involve using appropriate skin care products. When she is on sojourn (going about daily life like a freewoman) she must not do risky things where she is likely to cause any damage to her skin. She must preserve her beauty for her Master and in this ensure that her skin is protected. Just as a top model will work hard to keep her skin clean and blemish free and will avoid burns or scars that are unsightly, so an odalisque must keep her skin pure for the visual and sensual delight of her Keeper.

The importance given to this is a key to understanding Code d' Odalisque. A Slavekeeper should appreciate the value of a slave's skin and then go about slavekeeping with this in mind. A Slavekeeper should do everything possible to protect and preserve his slave's skin from damage, wear and tear, cuts, abrasions, sunburn. It is a tragedy if an odalisque causes damage to her skin. In the practice of Code d' Odalisque the beauty of the slave's skin is a paramount consideration. It is a consideration that imposes natural limits to play and that sets the standards of slave care.