Description of Branding

Branding.

This document records the branding of My kajira, tasseau.

Why mark a slave?

The marking of a slave, essentially placing a mark on the body of a slave, brings home to her that she is in fact a slave, and may be marked By her Master's will. In particular the Brand, because it actually burns away a part of her skin, so altering her physically. The act of physically altering the slave makes a very deep psychological impression on her, the effects of which are a revelatory process. The main effects are of course patently obvious, but the subtler effects may not be immediately apparent, but I will let My kajira tell you of the effects the branding had on her, and, more to the point are continuing to have on her. The subtle points of the branding are now slowly beginning to surface. I just want to mention here, that a brand not only marks the body, but marks the inner being as well, so in the one act the brand unites the inner and outer being, with a permanent mark, visible to all.

Why a Brand?

After much consideration of the various methods of marking My property, I decided to use a Brand. I considered among others, scarification as practiced in Africa, where ash is rubbed into a cut, but I considered this too prone to infection. In fact all the cutting methods are prone to this unless absolute sterility can be maintained during the entire process. Tattooing, although tattoos can be beautiful, I considered them not to have the same psychological impact. I considered placing small spheres of silver, which are not rejected by the body, in the appropriate pattern under the skin, but again the problem of maintaining sterility was the determining factor, and finally, I decided on a brand because sterility was less of a factor, and I could do it My self. I wanted My girl to know it was her Master's hand that marked her.

Sterility.

Sterility is a factor in almost all of the marking methods, in fact anytime the skin is broken. The most common reason known today is the spread of Aids, but a far more insidious disease' Hepatitis, and particularly the "C" variant of it, can be spread by simply drinking from the same glass, or using the same licked teaspoon. I say this is more insidious, because the general public is unaware of the problem. To a large degree, Hot Branding by it's very nature, tends to sterilise at least the direct contact area. That is not to say, that good sterile practice should not be exercised.

Methods of Branding.

There are two basic methods of branding. The most commonly known one, The Hot brand, and the lesser known but more modern one of cryogenic branding.

Traditional Methods.

Hot branding.
While in ages past hot branding was used to mark a slave, branding has been practiced for millennia, but mostly on animals, where it is sufficient to burn enough of the skin to kill the hair follicles, and so a permanent mark is achieved. On animals the mark can be quite large, and so a little blurring of the edges is acceptable. Basically a piece of iron or steel is formed into a shape, heated to at least red hot, applied to the area to be marked for long enough to burn away the skin layer, or at least long enough to cause a third degree burn.

Cryogenic Branding.
In Cryogenic branding a highly polished, stainless steel Iron is cooled in liquid Nitrogen, and so when it is applied to the skin it leaves a "freeze burn". The reason for the polished Stainless steel is that otherwise the iron sticks to the skin, and would tear the mark trying to remove it.

A NEW METHOD
Having looked at many many pictures and stories about branding, asking cattlemen and shepherds about their methods, I had almost decided the method was not really suitable for human animals, if you value your property and want to enhance rather than damage it. I talked to doctors about hot and cold tissue damage, and yes the medical profession use both hot and cold tissue removal, I determined of the two methods, hot branding was in fact the better method.

What is a burn?
A burn is simply the destruction of cells by high temperature. The way to minimise the effects of a burn, is to immediately apply ice to the effected area. This has the effect of keeping the surrounding tissue below the temperature damage threshold, and so limits the effect of a burn.

What happens in a branding to the tissue.
During a branding, the tissue immediately under the incoming hot iron, begins to vaporise, if the iron is hot enough. This is not a requirement since only a third degree burn needs to be achieved. A problem of Branding, hot or cold, is that not only the cell directly in contact with the iron gets overheated, in fact many cells adjacent also are destroyed, and so you get a much larger effect than is immediately apparent to the naked eye after a branding.

The problem.
So the problem is: how to keep the tissue around the branding iron from being damaged, so that the resulting brand will not "grow". "growing" is the result of subcutaneous collateral cell damage. "Growing" results in a fuzzy brand at best, and an unrecognisable mess at worst.

A solution.
After about two years of thought and consideration, I came up with the following method:
I needed something to keep the tissue around the brand cool enough to minimise collateral damage, but not so cold that it would cause a burn in itself. I devised a Brand consisting of a block of steel 40 mm X 40 mm X 8 mm thick, from which the actual brand is cut, so I now have a block of steel, with a hole in it the size and shape of the brand, so it becomes the negative. The removed piece is 20 mm high it is then attached to a handle, and it becomes the positive, or the actual brand. There is a very slight taper to the brand, so it is thicker at it's back than at the actual marking surface. This taper makes it easier to insert the brand into to the negative, or hole in the steel block, and also helps to retain a bit more heat. The brand, when inserted in the steel block or negative, protrudes about 3/4 of a millimetre, which is plenty to actually burn away the complete layer of skin under the brand. The steel block has three secondary functions; The block flattens the area to be branded, and so makes it less likely that some area of the brand is deeper than another. The skin in the actual branding area actually presses slightly up into the shape cut out of the block, and so the effective depth of the brand is about 1 millimetre. The block makes it less likely that you mark your kajira in the wrong place, and because you have the block firmly held in place, there is less likely hood of a jerk causing you to make a bad brand.

Selecting a location.

        I chose the location of the brand with the following
        considerations in
        Mind:

                1)      The Gorean common branding site is said to be high on the left
                        thigh.
                2)      I drew a horizontal line from the crotch to the area on the
                        thigh to be marked.
                        This means a short dress (tateera) would cover the brand.
                3)      I looked very carefully at the girl in different positions,
                        and made sure the area to be marked was NOT
                        one which would
                        flex a great deal, so that the brand would not
                        be pulled
                        and pushed during kneeling, sitting, or
                        walking. This meant
                        that the healing process would not be
                        prolonged by the constant
                        movement and stretching of the skin.
                4)      I then checked that the area didn't contain any major blood
                        vessels, as I didn't want there to be any
                        damage to My girl's
                        blood flow.

Practice Doing it.
The block of steel is placed in the freezer, until it is completely cooled through and through. I left it in for about 12 hours, before doing a test burn on corrugated cardboard. It is wise to try it a few times because you must be sure you can get the iron into it's hole in the block of steel in one smooth motion, or your brand will cool down too much on the way in. Before removing the steel block from the freezer, the brand is placed on the gas stove in the flame, set to high. The brand should be rotated at regular intervals, so that it becomes evenly hot. This can be determined by the colour, all of the brand should be a bright red, at a minimum, or preferably close to yellow heat. If you have trouble seeing the colour, reduce the amount of lighting in the room, so you can see the colour of the iron well. When the brand gets to about the right temperature, bright red, place the steel block on the cardboard, so you get used to positioning it where you want the mark to appear, then make sure the temperature of the brand is completely even, by rotating the iron in the flame. Now with one even continuous motion, remove the iron from the flame, place it in the steel block, and hold it for a few seconds, making sure it is fully seated, then remove the iron, and you may remove the block and see how the test burn went. Keep trying this until you are very confident that you can do it in an even motion, without panic. I say this, because when you actually have your kajira under the iron, you will be nervous, and you must still be able to deliver the iron to it's proper place, so you don't make a mess of it. So PRACTISE !

Actually doing it.
Make sure your kajira is well bound, and in such a position that the area to be branded it pretty well horizontal. This makes it easier for the steel block to be held in place. Carefully choose the area to be marked, so that the brand will not be in a place where it might damage large blood vessels. I marked the ones in the vicinity with a felt tip pen. I also marked the area where the steel block was to be placed with four dots, one for each corner. Place the Iron in the flame on the stove, now with some alcohol clean the area where the block is to be placed so there is less chance of post branding infection, now remove the steel block from the freezer, give it a wipe with the alcohol as well for the same reason, and carefully position and place it on the spot. Press the steel block down so the whole surface of the block makes contact with the skin. I had My kajira hold the block in place while I tended to the brand in the fire. After about ten minutes, which I considered enough time for the cold from the block of steel to transfer to the tissue under the block, I took over holding the block, made sure the iron was evenly red, removed the iron from the fire, slipped it into the hole in the block, making sure it was properly seated and all the way in, and waited. At first nothing seems to happen, but then there is a hiss, as the flesh beneath the iron vaporises. Wait about a count of two, or 1 second after the hiss, then remove the iron. but keep the steel block in place to make sure the surrounding tissue stays cold. Keep the block in place for another 5 minutes. Immediately after the removal of the block and inspection of the brand, spray the area with an antiseptic spray to make sure there will be no infection of the fresh brand. Now you are done.

Observations during the process.
I noted that there was no jerking reaction from My kajira when the iron was placed on her skin. I was ready to go with the jerk, so the brand wouldn't slide, but there was no reaction AT ALL!! The only reaction she had, was a quickening of her breathing, but only AFTER I told her it was done. she could not believe it was over, it hadn't hurt at all. she told Me after the branding, that by the time I placed the iron, she could no longer feel the area where the steel block was placed, so asking the kajira if she can still feel it, might be a good gauge as to the coldness of the area.

After removing her bindings, and after removing the steel block, yes I did it in that order, I looked at the brand, I was stunned! The brand was clean and deep, it was, and is, absolutely beautiful. That image is burned forever in My memory, and in My being :)

Notes on the images.

You will note a shininess on the branded area, this is a result of the antiseptic spray.
The red square is the result of the cooling of the skin by the steel block.
The blue lines are where I marked larger blood vessels, as I didn't want to damage them by placing the brand directly on them.
The healing images timed at 2 day intervals. Martillo.

return to the top of the page, and read more about Master's new branding method

click image to return to text

click image for next one

click image to return to text

click image to return to text

Test Burn on cardboard, Coins are for size reference. October 18 2001.

click image to return to text	click image to return to text	click image to return to text
Fresh brand, October 19 2001	October 21 2001	October 22 2001

click image to return to text	click image to return to text	click image to return to text
October 24 2001	October 25 2001	October 27 2001

click image to return to text	click image to return to text	click image to return to text
October 30 2001	November 2 2001	November 4 2001

click image to return to text	click image to return to text	click image to return to text
November 7 2001	November 12 2001	November 17 2001

click image to return to text	click image to return to text	click image to return to text
November 20 2001	November 22 2001	November 23 2001

click image to return to text

June 22 2002

Greetings from Master Martillo's little scribbling kajira,

i will try to make some logic to the breakdown of the sections in this posting, realizing of course that some of you out there are facing a branding, thinking of branding your slave, or just curious as to what would possess someone to accept being branded. Please believe me when i say, in this girls case, it was not a driving motivation to become a fashion plate of body modification - i had up to this point, gone 49 years without any modification except a single piercing in each ear.

Why a Brand

This is not an issue that can be answered with the casual "why not", and perhaps it would help to explain, that i am not one that likes labels, nor feels that if you dress like a kajira, talk like a kajira, get marked like a kajira and play at being a kajira, that it automatically makes you one. i would hope that each of you considering a branding, take a long hard look as to why. In my case, it was not something she considered lightly, and was yet another step in my growth and a final step in my surrender to my Master. In spite of my fears i placed my trust in my Master, that he knew what i needed, so rather then it being my choice (all choices being no longer mine to make) it was his -- so, i accepted, i begged it, and it was done.

Fear vs. Trust

i originally became my Master's property shortly after begging for his collar on 16 Nov 2000. He is located in Australia, and i am located in the United States -- He sent me a collar (that until 18 Oct 2001, the date Master re collared tasseau by his own hand), which i put on and wore every minute of every day. Even before becoming Property of my Master, he was helping this girl through some very deep feelings of failure, self doubt and fears that no one would really wish to own her. during this long uphill battle, over a year of daily talking together for hours each day, the trust this girl had discovered ran very deep within her.

So, it was not a case of bite the bullet, you're are getting branded -- the trust this girl had for her Master ran so deep, that she knew she could set her fear aside, because He knew that this one needed it. to bring her to a point where she, with every fiber of her being knew she was owned and would not be abandoned. Knowing and trusting that the brand was for her growth, made it much easier to separate the fear of pain, from the fear of what was being done to her.

Physical Reaction to the Branding

This girl held the cold plate in place till just prior to the branding, it was very very cold on her thigh -- she was scared at one level, having read so many horror stories about branding -- yet Master had explained the reasons behind the cold plate to limit surround tissue damage, and had explained the whole procedure to her. The cold plate besides limiting the surrounding tissue damage, acted as an overload on the nerves in the area -- it caused the pain of a burn to be short circuited and never arrive or pass the feeling of cold. As this girl had her eyes closed and was doing breathing exercises, she missed the whole thing - just heard the sizzle (~even though this girl had prepared herself to be a steak barbecue ~ grins~), and it was over. The area of the brand even after just being done was not painful, nor did it have any burning feeling in the area. It was not even sensitive to the touch. Even two days after the branding, there was no residual burning or stinging feeling that normally one feels with a burn. There was no itching that generally comes with healing tissue, and the brand itself remained quite clear throughout the healing.

A Girls Feelings

While many Master's decide to have another brand their girl, if they have her branded. This one has some thoughts about this. First, if the Master wishes his girl marked, and he is not qualified to do it, by all means, find a qualified person that will not damage your property. Second, the inner wake up knowledge for a girl, that a Master can mark up his property as he wishes, brought home to this girl just how much she was owned. Now, this does not mean, that everyone should rush out and brand your girls -- this girl is very sure that the Master's out there are very concerned about the mental and physical health of their girls, and will choose the right path.

The commitment of branding your own girl, plus the girl's knowledge that her Master is the one marking her is a very strong and deep emotional event. For some as i have read, the girl is overcome with a need so great, that she must be used sexually -- for me it was quite different, perhaps because of the long history of mental and physical abuse. i felt a start of surprise, and a warm washing over me of peace, the pull and binding of every fiber of my being with the knowledge that her Master wanted to keep her. i felt worthy, and i knew that i would not be abandoned, i felt like i had come home. i felt bursting in my freedom to be who i was deep inside finally, a slave owned in every manner and in every fiber of her being.

Now where was i, oh yes -- Pain, is it really necessary during branding? Well, this one would tend to say no. there are other methods of doling out pain if your girl needs it, if you have another brand her, why let him give her pain? This method that my Master used, was to this girls amazement pain free -- and believe me when i say, i had heard horrid stories and seen some very ugly pictures of branding. Was i scared, darn tooting, but this girl put her trust in her Master. If you could only have felt the shocked surprise this girl had when he told her it was finished. That Master had himself put the mark, well, it was thrilling from her inner soul -- can't really describe it better, and every day when she touches it, it sends an electric thrill through her.

All in all, it was a very joyous experience, ~blushing~ and the Courvoisier soaked raspberries, just topped it all soooooo wonderfully ~finger licking good~. The only down side, was Master had to leave on his journey home the next day ~sighs~.