THE
PSYCHOLOGY:
Because the head is the centre of sight/hearing/taste/smell, the simple
act of hooding or even blindfolding effectively changes the whole personality
balance. In a series of scientific tests it was proved that by creating
the effect of separating head from body, to most of the people tested,
the head represented "self" and in the circumstances the body
could be viewed as a totally detached object.
The attractions and advantages of hooding in Erotic Bondage games and
'Scenes' fall into two main categories
The visual effect:
Not only can hoods look very dramatic, by removing the identifiable
appearance the wearer a hood can:
A) Act as a release for a self-conscious 'victim',
B) Release the person outside from inhibitions caused by familiarity
with (or fear of) the hooded person
C) Free both parties to fantasise that they are dealing with someone
quite different. (However, at the same time, it is important that when
hooding someone this does not seem to indicating that you don't like
the look of the person you're with).
The general phenomenon of masks has been the subject of several books.
The psychological effects on both wearer and viewer are rooted deep
in the human mind. A false or featureless face makes it difficult to
relate to it as another human being. A mask or hood may be deliberately
designed to create a particular character or dramatic image, or the
aim may be to de-personalise. Certainly the removal of direct eye contact
or expression, even behind dark glasses, goggles or a mask with "pinhole"
eyes (which allow the wearer to see but hides any expression in their
eyes) results in a high degree of depersonalisation. Total removal of
'facial expression' is more difficult to achieve because the shape of
every seam, line of stitching, eye or mouth-hole may create the appearance
of facial features. The androidal image given by some conventional leather
masks can be very attractive to see, and at the same time allow the
wearer to either become someone else or nobody in particular
Fantasy masks.
In the field of Erotic Bondage the general range of mask images available
has been very limited. Fantasy Character or Personality masks"
seems to be a whole area ripe for development.
The tactile effect:
Texture and shape affects both the wearer and controller. Whether skin
tight, heavily padded, rigid or box-like, or inflated and distorted
in form .... from inside and out a range of very sensual alternatives
are possible. Each hood or helmet can to some extent be played like
a musical instrument. The acoustic properties of leather being caressed
by gloved or ungloved fingers, a more rigid casing being drummed on,
the introduction of inescapable sound all can be used as part of sensual
games. Other sensual changes such as inability to see, muffling of speech
or hearing can heighten any effect. Pressure and tightness of a hood
can be varied to modulate the intensity of a 'Scene'. Because the head
is the centre for so many different senses a hood or helmet can create
a sense of total 'imprisonment' even when no other form of restraint
is used.
Hoods for "Tops":
This is a subject to explore. Masks or hoods specifically for the dominator
of a situation could also be an interesting area for development.
Elements of de-personalization or change of character can often help
the controller of any Scene. The design of the hood may be less restrictive,
but whether used for visual dramatic effect or just to hide the identity
of one or more people involved in a scene it opens up new territories.
Certainly an unhooded 'victim' under the control of unrecognisable people
is a reversal which has a powerful impact.
SAFETY FACTORS
In general hoods are reasonably safe to use. Certainly, tightness of
the neck and adequate air should be of prime concern. Leaving somebody
unattended when hooded is a matter of personal capacity and perhaps
even mutual agreement - but the controller must be aware of the risks
and assume full responsibility. (Notes on the legal responsibilities
of S/M games are being compiled - contributions welcome).
A less
obvious Safety Factor is that the face soon begins to swell inside a
hood. A nose opening which is large enough when the hood is first put
on may soon become partially obstructed as the cheeks swell. This can
lead to serious discomfort if not something more dangerous.
Another important general point is that what is bearable at first may
cause panic when other factors such as restriction of movement or intensity
of action change.
Other safety points worth noting:
A) Breathing holes might become blocked when a hood shifts during action.
Particularly if anchored in some way a hood can easily move.
B) Mouth/eye zippers are popular with people who like a variety of opportunities.
Facial hair can be a problem, zips should be opened and closed with
care, and if possible have some backing to them. Pressure upon either
opened or closed zips can be painful and damage the skin.
C) "Poppers" used with hoods or helmets can have unexpected
results. Because of restricted breathing, fumes can be more potent and
perhaps hang around longer. Expect the unexpected until you have personal
experience to guide you.
D) A very tight hood can cause wearer to bite inside of cheeks.
E) If the wearer of an eyeless hood is in darkness for too long this
may produce a state of slight mental disorientation. When a hood is
removed care should be taken because both thought and movement of the
'victim' may not be predictable.
F) In the same circumstances light can be painful on eyes which have
been in darkness for even a short length of time.
G) NEVER use a hood to suspend body- weight.
The effect on neck and spine can be disastrous - and 'D' rings on hoods
are seldom designed to take serious strain!
H) Gags under hoods which have no mouth holes aren't recommended. In
an emergency such as vomiting, the whole hood has to be removed - and
laces can get into knots.
So, finally, as a general note; more particularly than in any other
form of bondage game having a pair of sharp scissors (preferably blunt-pointed)
handy to cut laces or in emergency the hood itself is a wise precaution.
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS:
FITTINGS & FIXTURES .
A hood which can allow the wearer to see or not see, talk or not talk
gives much more variety to the action. However, in practical terms these
options can also weaken the general structure or visual impact of a
hood. Certainly, too many metal snap-on fasteners can make it uncomfortable
to wear. The act of pressing on a snap-fastener cover to close eyes
or mouth may cause in painful bruising. Some people don't seem to mind
this and feel it worth it to have the variable effect.
The degree of tightness possible may depend on whether the leather is
soft and pliable or heavy and tough. Aiming for a hood which allows
too many alternatives may result in it not fulfilling any one purpose
well, and cost as much as buying a heavy duty plus a more soft and supple
hood.
CONSTRUCTION
DETAILS .
Before buying a hood it is worth considering the following points:
Lacing :
Adjustment of a hood to different sized and shaped heads, and different
degrees of pressure is usually achieved by lacing - but this can also
be a tedious business - particularly if the victim is already lying
down.
A useful alternative is the type of hood which has two side laces for
adjustment plus a back zip to allow easy removal and replacement. Conversely,
this adds hardware and may result in discomfort lying on side laces.
Velcro tape offers a possible alternative for closing hoods, and certainly
allows finer adjustment. Experiments are being made. Your ideas and
news of improved materials are always welcome.
Closed or open nose?:
The distinction in the FETTERS catalogue is of a hood with totally open-ended
nose or one which has closed end with breathing holes. The latter does
give a greater sense of being inside something. However, a nose with
the bottom end open may be essential to some wearers. Even mouth breathing
holes may be necessary to avoid the fear of not being able to breathe.
A hood with no eyes may not be light-proof if the nose has an open end
- unless eye-pads and even a strap across the eyes is keeping pads tightly
in position. (Eye pads can be impractical for wearers of contact lenses).
Breathing is further restricted in eyeless hoods because eye holes also
admit a certain amount of air.
Pinhole eyes:
This useful alternative to complete eye holes gives the wearer limited
vision without allowing the expression in the eyes to be a means of
communication. It also avoids the face of the hood
assuming a recognisable personality (which eye holes of any shape tend
to give).
Blindfolds:
As an alternative to or addition to a hood, a simple blindfold can be
very useful in many games or 'Scenes'. The traditional handkerchief
is very unstable and can easily be dislodged. A shaped leather blindfold
which is basically flat often allows limited vision. Only a padded and
adjustable one can be guaranteed to exclude all light. Pressure on contact
lenses has already been mentioned.
Blindfolds which attach to hoods with snap fasteners have also been
discussed. A single snap-fastener, well to the side of the hood is usually
better than snaps over the cheekbones. A separate blindfold with an
adjustable strap which can if necessary be anchored to a hood is the
ideal solution.
Closed or open mouth?:
Ideally, a removable cover gives more opportunities, but even the softest
hood, if tailored to fit closely, may prevent the jaw from opening fully.
Even a gag which holds the mouth wide may be usable with a relatively
snug hood. But, for any activity when the jaw may have to "work",
a very tight chin on a hood can be a drag!
A zip mouth gives a simple practical alternative - but brings with it
problems already mentioned under Safety. Although a removable chin section
can be added to most of the FETTERS hood patterns, this will reduce
the amount of tightening possible and add at least eight snap fasteners
to an area which may be tender. A removable muzzle cup attached by straps
around and over the top of the head may be another practical alternative.
Collars
Most FETTERS Standard hoods have soft two inch collars - which allow
for collars of firmer leather or metal to be used over the top when
required. However, some hood models do have a firmer narrow neck strap
and 'D' ring centre front fixed permanently. Study the revised descriptions
of the 'Standard' hoods. Minor details can be changed when ordering.
Longer collars can also be attractive. Soft fitted collars breaking
onto the shoulders have great visual appeal, but don't always fit very
neatly.
An even longer collar on a hood, reaching down both back and front to
a strap which circles the chest and back (under the armpits) has a particularly
dramatic appeal and psychological effect.
Back vent alternatives:
Whether a hood has laces or zipper, some form of internal lining to
prevent hair getting caught or sticking out is essential. For most zippers
a three inch wide 'tongue' of soft leather is all that's necessary.
For laces, anything wider tends to get scrunched up and look untidy.
A full vent fixed to both back edges of the hood allows it to fully
envelope the head even before it's fastened has many advantages. This
then scrunches up to form a ridge of soft padding under laces or zipper
and does not look too untidy!
Eyelets or Cinch Rings:
These are a matter of personal choice. On a very soft leather hood cinch
rings (as on hiking boots) are stronger than eyelets, and many people
find them easier to thread. Conversely, some people complain that the
rivets in cinch rings dig into the scalp if laced too tightly. With
a full vent under them, this is avoided. Descriptions for each hood
in the FETTERS range lists whether cinch rings or eyelets are 'standard'-
but your order can specify your preference.
Lockable hoods:
A simple padlock through the bottom two 'D' rings of a hood with laces
locked inside (out of reach of fingers) can have a strong psychological
effect. However, a zipped panel which closes over lacing and locks to
the collar is a new and very effective 'extra' available for most hoods.
This makes the hood impossible to remove even when hands are free. However,
it does also reduce the degree of adjustability of the hood lacing.
'D' rings and attachment points:
Several illustrations in the current catalogue show 'D' rings on the
tops of hoods. These are very useful for attaching and restricting head
movement - but on very soft hoods these can easily tear the leather
- and perhaps press into the scalp. They are no longer 'Standard' on
most hoods. You need to ask for them when ordering.
Attachments can cause a hood to shift and move breathing holes away
from nostrils. Hood fixing points should never be used to suspend body
weight.
Other openings:
Holes for ears, pony tails and beards are other possibilities. Certainly
the imaginative use of headphones for music, speech or "White noise"
can add to any Scene.
Other decoration:
Whether ornamental or giving specific character to the masked head such
additions to a hood can be used to great effect. Whether permanently
fixed or temporary (glued or drawn on) they can be used to reinforce
a fantasy or humiliate the wearer. Open faced hoods:
These are useful as a basis for attaching gags, blindfold or face-mask
to while giving access to the face when required. The exact line of
the facial opening demands accurate measurements and very specific instructions
when ordering. Muzzles or Bridles over hoods:
These can be used very effectively over soft hoods perhaps to intensify
the situation for a short period during a longer scene. With heavier
head harnesses the soft hood underneath can reduce wear-and-tear on
the skin and prolong the time for which they can be worn, but from a
safety point of view, this also means there are two to take off in an
emergency. A chinless hood with eye holes can have a second hood over
it quite safely. Semi-rigid hoods:
Most of the standard hoods listed can have more solid panels riveted
to them to add weight and rigidity. This is a relatively new development.
If it sounds attractive - make your demands. We can't resist a challenge.
Solid helmets:
Psychologically, a more firm 'box' is a very different experience. These
are necessarily less close-fitting, and there is a tendency to rub the
skin. Medieval knights wore soft leather 'balaclavas' under their metal
helmets. So far we've found nobody willing to make iron helmets in the
"Man in the Iron Mask" tradition - but a series of prototypes
made in rigid leather are looking good. We're still working on them
- and welcome the impetus of someone actually arriving on our doorstep
knowing exactly what they want. The possibility of sculpted heads (with
or without defined personality) perhaps made in glass fibre - and lockable
- offer many exciting alternatives. With soft padded interior and rigid
finger-proof outside shell, these would have many visual, tactile and
practical uses.
Wrapped heads:
Adhesive tape, leather thongs, clingfilm or soft rubber strips can all
be used to create an instant helmet in a mummification scene. Degree
of tightness and ability to breathe must, naturally, be carefully controlled.
With adhesive tape it's perhaps advisable to use a stocking or thin
polythene sheet as a base. Method of cutting them off also needs pre-planning.
Cooking foil can be used to create a semi-rigid 'metal' helmet. If carefully
removed (and thick enough) this might be re-used or dissected to make
a pattern for a more permanent form-fitting helmet. In any event the
wrapping process can in itself be an exhilarating experience for whoever
is being wrapped or doing the wrapping (or watching).
Black box:
Scientific experiments in total reduction of sensitivity resulted in
the development of a wooden box lined and padded to hold a head immovable
inside. Fixed to floor or bed this completely isolates the head from
the world (and from the rest of the body). Breathing through a tube
(mouth and nose) is controllable. Psychologically the rigidity of the
box creates a very very powerful effect - and it's not for the timid.
Sports helmets:
A variety of practical protective headgear for boxing, fencing, Kendo
or other Martial Arts offers a wide range of practical and dramatic
uses. Motorcycle crash helmets, particularly the Open Face type, can
be used in conjunction with face covers, soft hoods and gags producing
a range of excellent results. A crash helmet has the added advantage
of being usable in 'outdoor' adventures. Old fashioned Flying helmets
also have a very definite visual appeal - if you can find one. (If anyone
has an old one we can copy - we'll welcome the opportunity to make them
more easily available). Gas Masks can also be incorporated with some
helmets. A variety of types are easily available by mail-order. Other
helmets and masks used in industrial health and safety breathing situations
can be interesting.
Rubber hoods:
Flexible moulded light latex hoods are quite readily available with
or without eyes/mouths, with mouth tubes, with built-in gags, open faced
or totally enclosed. Used in conjunction with other hoods or helmets
these soft latex hoods can add an extra element to any Scene. Heavier
rubber hoods including inflatables have unique properties of both feel
and visual effect but are more expensive and more difficult to find.
END 8-HEADTRIPS