Code d' Odalisque

Code d' Odalisque

Code d' Odalisque is a genre or style of non-violent consensual slave play engaged in by willing adult men and women. It is a modern revival of aspects of the historical institution of odalisque (female sexual servant) in a consensual form. Play is guided by a written code of rules, etiquette and protocols. The genre or style is an alternative sub-culture within the broader BDSM community; play includes aspects of bondage and discipline, dominance and submission but not sado-masochism. The use of pain and degradation is forbidden under the Code. The values of the Code are hedonistic and pleasure-oriented combining exotic elements from Turkish, Persian, Arabic and related erotic cultures with modern, Western hardcore tastes. The structure of play is based upon the relationship between a male Dominant and a female submissive - Odalisque (sexual slave). Play is essentially heterosexual in character.

Code d' Odalisque was developed by people interested in Master/slave relationships but who were not interested in the sado-masochistic elements common in the BDSM world. The Code provides for sexual submission and explores such themes as bondage, restraint and obedience but without such elements as spanking, whipping, nipple torture, hot wax etc. The premise of this system of Master/slave play is that there are many women who are, by nature, sexually submissive and who enjoy being used sexually and enjoy sexual obedience, but who do not want to be subject to the more violent aspects of BDSM culture. Non-violent sexual submission is the cornerstone of Code d' Odalisque and is the main reason that people are attracted to it. The Code promotes a culture of respect, chivalry and elegance in which the female slave (odalisque) is regarded as a rare treasure to be cherished, protected and nurtured. Although the Code is based on male dominance it is strongly pro-feminine.

An essential dimension of Code d' Odalisque is the appreciation of female beauty. It is about looking, watching, viewing, loving the feminine form. The aesthetic appreciation of woman is an essential part of Code culture. Men in Code d' Ode are lovers of the female. They love the beauty of woman. Odalisques are not only kept in order to perform sexual acts - they are ornaments, kept to be looked upon and enjoyed visually. An odalisque is an object of beauty. She displays her body to her Master for his visual pleasure. Sexual slavery under Code d' Odalisque is about the admiration and appreciation of the female form. It cultivates an aesthetic of female beauty and eroticism. The Code states: "The female form is the encapsulation of earthly beauty. She is made to inspire man to wonder and awe. The delights she offers him remind him of and drive him to seek Paradise." In this sense Code d' Ode is very pro-feminine. Women are regarded as a great blessing in the world. The female form and its surpassing beauty is a great mercy in life. Imagine a world without women. Imagine a world without the beauty of the female body. The female body is the finest creation in nature. Code d' Ode is about the proper, respectful appreciation of the female body and the cultivation of the feminine in its most beautiful forms. An odalisque is an object of desire and an object of beauty. She is respected and admired for this. Code play is designed to nurture and protect her beauty at all times.

Code d' Odalisque is based on different historical models to other styles of consensual slave play, and indeed is based on a different erotic culture than that which is now predominant in the BDSM world. The dominant models are based in the French Revolution and in the inspiration of Marquis de Sade. De Sade has given Western civilization an enduring erotic and aesthetic culture, but it is one characterized by sado-masochism. The dungeon, whips, chains, leather, black clothing - these familiar features of alternative sexuality are all part of the erotic culture created by de Sade. By extension it is a grungy, industrial aesthetic. Typically, for example, a woman will be bound and whipped in an old factory. That is de Sade's idea of sexy.

Code d' Odalisque is a departure from contemporary BDSM culture. Not only does it offer an alternative style of play to those that are current in BDSM, but it also offers a different aesthetic. It is a refined and sensual aesthetic - not the dark, grungy aesthetic of de Sade. It draws upon the sensuality (and rich erotic heritage) of the Turks, Arabs, Persians, Berbers etc - all very sensual (and sexual) people. This oriental aesthetic is combined with a modern hardcore sensibility.