About the Collar - Status in a BDSM relationship

[AndyRew00]

Categorisation of (Types) is required so we know who the fuk is who, from this first Categorisation we then branch into sub-category's which breaks down and defines, even further isolating identities. Just quickly allow me to explain one, as I will talk in depth on this at a later stage.

D-types are a form of status role that heavily identify with the dominant side of power categorised as; Domination, whether it be in regard to physical, mental, emotional, spiritual domination or it could be a combination possibly of all combined.

Also it can be used in the description of a person’s dominant personality or a series of personality traits, displaying the authority/control in/of a power exchange relationship.

The Dom is short for gender non-specific replaced of the word Dominant. ' Domme ' (usually pronounced ' dough-may ' has come to indicate the female Dominant over time.

Identities within the D-type category are: Deity, Dominant, Handler, House Dom, Key Holder, Maker, Master, Owner, Professional Dom.

M-type is a term derived from the term Master, to include any dominant status role that operates as an owner of human property with complete liability in a 24/7 TPE relationship.

S-types are a form of status role that identify with the submissive side of power exchange relationships.

A collar, when used to denote power exchange, is owned by the D-type that then places it upon the S-type. During the time it is worn the s-type does not own the collar, but instead is the custodian of the collar and works to maintain the integrity of the collar as a symbol of dominance and Bondage. Often no one but the d-type, to include the s-type, is permitted to remove the collar with exception to medical emergencies and security checkpoints, though this is not always the case.

The collar itself is a symbol of Bondage and indicates some level of D/s as specified in the negotiations. Most collars are used to indicate long term relationships but this is not always the case. Because of the highly personal nature of a collar it is not wise to touch the collar of another without explicit consent. ​

The typical permanent collaring process may involve the following three steps:

- Consideration
- Training
- Permanent Collar - classic / modern collar

Some D-types may choose to implement a process of begging for a collar or a slave petition. ​

 

[Mrs Langtrees]

Does not the collar denote ownership?

 

[AndyRew00]

To earn a permanent relationship collar, customarily a d-type will assign three significant challenges that they may or may not divulge to an s-type that will indicate large scale personal growth as well as dedication to the relationship and embracing their s-type nature. Upon completion if the d-type is satisfied they may choose to award the s-type with a permanent collar. A permanent collar indicates a commitment to a lifelong relationship involving power exchange.

The concept of being owned refers to a person who has surrendered their personal property and freedoms and become the property or chattel of their owner or Master. Strictly speaking, to be a slave, one must be owned but many people searching for an owner will call themselves "slave" as an indication of the position they are hoping to eventually have, or that they have past experience having and embrace such notions as part of their identity. Often use of contracts and permanent collars will be used when taking ownership of a slave, frequently after a period of consideration and training, and may or may not involve a collaring ceremony.

Does not the collar denote ownership?

 

[AndyRew00]

It's a physical symbol, identified as/with ownership, but there a many types of collars and their significance varies, up until a Collaring Ceremony (there are several different types) ownership may not exist between the two, total commitment in a D/s relationship, identifying their submission too the ownership of human property. Most if not all ceremonies are accompanied with a contract also.

 

[AndyRew00]

Types of Collars​

Classic Collar
A classic, permanent collar is a black leather strap, approximately 1.5 inches wide (variable depending upon the size of the s-type), worn snugly around the neck of the s-type, usually made of the upper most portion of the back hide of a bull. It will have one O-ring on the front of the collar and include a locking mechanism in the rear such as buckles, straps and hooks, padlocks and other attachments. This collar is most commonly associated with elder traditions of M/s dynamic.

Modern Collar
Modern permanent collars are often made of light weight metals and heavy duty locking mechanisms which is some cases cannot be easily removed, and are preferably non-conductive should the s-type wish to engage in any sort of Electrical play. Modern collars often come in Flat style (generally a rigid circle) and Turian Style (anatomically contoured for ergonomic purposes). These collars are commonly associated with Gorian Traditions.

Simple Collar
A simple collar consists of a padlocked chain. Often times these collars can be cumbersome if worn for extensive periods of time and are generally not the wisest choice for heavy Scene play, see play collars below.

Alternate Collar
Some that practice D/s may not utilize collars at all as symbols of power exchange but may use tattoos, scars or brands, cuffs, anklets, belly chains, dog tags, chastity devices, wedding or slave rings, or some other symbolism, or even no physical symbol at all. Exact symbols may be as personalized or impersonal as the d-type desires.

Play Collar
A play collar is generally a wide (aproximate 2-3 inches width variable based on the size of the s-type), black leather collar with soft padding or materials to cushion the interior, often with several D-rings or O-rings for easy connection to bondage points or leashes. A play collar is generally donned for the purposes of power exchange within a single scene, or traded for a collar that is less durable during heavy Scene play.

Day Collar
A day collar is a collar that is usually some form of jewelry that can pass as an inconspicuous necklace that can be easily worn for professional or other social purposes without drawing attention to the
S-type and can serve as a daily reminder of the relationship even when in places that flaunting such relationship statuses might otherwise be inappropriate.

Fashion Collar
A fashion collar is simply a collar of any type, usually leather, worn for fashion purposes and does not indicate any form of D/s, though it may or may not indicate some form of personal identity statement. Fashion collars often carry a stigma in some circles of the BDSM community as they are not earned and can be perceived to degrade the traditional symbolism of collars used in power exchange dynamics.

Posture Collar
A posture collar is generally made of a rigid material (or sometimes leather) and may also contain corset style boning and straps for purposes of Breath play. The collar is contoured to fit the shoulders and the jawline, and stops the head turning or looking up or down. This causes increased levels of bondage and may also be used to train the s-type to have better posture through Conditioning.

Protection Collar
A protection collar is worn by a Charge and the collar is placed upon them by a Protector. A protection collar is generally used to redirect questions of a potential play partner from the charge to the protector.

Consideration Collar
A consideration collar is worn during a period of consideration, which generally indicates a minor level of commitment where both partners are considering each other for a potential long term commitment. The consideration collar is most often blue in color.

Pet Collar
A pet collar is a collar that is worn by a human during pet play and thus indicates a very different type of thematic D/s. The design of the collar is such that is generally likened to the type of animal that is being emulated. In some cases pet collars may also be fashion collars as the pet wears the collar without having an owner/handler and instead uses it as an indicator to help enter their "pet space".

Training Collar
A Training collar is put on a Pupil by a Trainer that generally consists of a leather strap and may or may not symbolize relationship specific training, though frequently it indicates the latter. It generally does not have a permanent locking mechanism but may have a snap or buckle, as the training period is considered to have a definitive start and end. During the time the collar is worn the pupil responds to the commands and instructions of the trainer, which may also be their respective d-type, or not, depending upon the purposes of the training. Training for a permanent relationship collar usually takes approximate one year according to many traditions. Some people use red collars to denote a period of training.

Usually a training collar does include an O-ring and two D-rings, one on either side for tethering as needed. Training collars are sometimes used for large scale training events as well, though the specifics of these event/collar arrangements may vary widely.

 

[AndyRew00]

Steel Collars​

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