For both ascetic and disciplinary reasons a slave's natural state is one of 'slave nakedness'.
Ascetically, a slave's naked and muscular body is there to be enjoyed by his Master and all freemen and, at the same time, it must always be available to the whip should discipline be called for.
However, there are two essential items a slave must wear at all times. These are the metal collar and cuffs of slavery to serve as a permanent reminder of his true status as an owned object.
That’s fully true and correct, both from a legal as well from a psychological standpoint.
ReplyDeleteHowever, let me say that, in my opinion, there are at least two exceptions to the rule of preferential full nudity for slaves.
One exception is when the Master, just for his aesthetic and erotic pleasure, obliges his slaves to wear “fetish“ garments that, for all possible reasons depending on the erotic tastes of the Lord, tickle his sexual arousal.
The second case, is when a certain particular garment ……. even just a very skimpy loincloth …. is needed to distinguish slaves and free men inside a huge crowd of all stark-naked males, so that vile slaves are not mistaken for respectable free men ……… a doubt that always obsesses me e.g. in the public Baths, when I am in some stupid provincial towns that do not yet order that in public Baths, while noble free Roman citizens are obviously fully nude, slaves must wear some type of garment to be distinguished from citizens.
Fortunately, even in such embarrassing situations, several wise Masters oblige their talking-animals to have their muscular nude bodies decorated with metal cuffs and with leather or metal collars (as you rightly emphasize, Chris) to distinguish in any case these human-looking beasts from real men, even when everyone is stark naked.
Senator Karelius
Hi Karel, your point is well taken. i believe a slave's body is its Master's property and he is entitled to use it as he wants. Whether he keeps his slave in a state of 'slave nakedness' or partially covered is for him - and him alone - to decide.
DeleteAs a slave, i have experienced both. my Masters have, at times, kept me totally naked and at other times i was clothed depending on circumstances and their preferences.
You show to be a docile and wise pet, slave Toby.
ReplyDeleteI think your lucky Master is pleased with you.
Senator Karelius
Karelius, i'm a good boi, Master! Or at least, i try to be and i think my Master is pleased with me.
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