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Revision as of 14:52, 17 May 2011 by Drmies (talk | contribs) (i challenge anyone to argue that this was a reliable source!)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Template:Unreference A bondage hood (also called a gimp mask or bondage mask) is a fetishistic hood. It may be made from rubber, latex, PVC, spandex, darlexx or leather. Bondage hoods can come in a variety of colors and patterns and may even be made of transparent fabric. A bondage hood may be either full-faced or open-faced and usually can be either pulled on and over the head or partially opened and closed around the neck and head with some means of separating and joining fabric such as a zipper or cord lacing. Some hoods are anatomical and tight-fitting while others are looser in fit or otherwise have a more fanciful or exaggerated shape and design. Fancier hoods may contain special decorative features like multiple fabric colors and patterns, extra closures, buckle straps, chains, studs, horns and streamers, as well as artificial ears, whiskers and hair. These more elaborate hood designs may also include tubing, piping, sheathing, bag and funnel attachments, inflatable rubber, and sex prosthetics such as internal and external dildos.
The use of bondage hoods in BDSM
Full-faced hoods and gimp masks are typically used for the actual practice of head bondage, and to restrain and objectify the wearer through depersonalization, disorientation and/or sensory deprivation. A rigid, tight-fitting hood greatly reduces a gagged person's ability to make any noise at all. The texture of certain fabrics against the skin may also provide tactile stimulation which may make the wearer more amenable to suggestion and fantasy. In the context of a BDSM scene, the restrictive and depersonalizing effects of bondage hoods reduce the wearer to the status of a sexual toy, rather than a sexual partner. Unless made of transparent fabric, these types of hoods can serve the function of disguising someone's identity when desired—for example, at play parties. Hoods and masks with a zoomorphic design—such as a "catwoman" mask, which typically only covers the top of the head and face—are often an essential fetish garment for BDSM animal roleplay.
In comparison, an open-faced bondage hood is less restrictive for the wearer, and its sensual texture (usually latex or leather) and theatrical appearance generally serve to enhance the level of tactile, visual and psychological excitement in an encounter. Also, an open-faced hood is like a costume accessory that may complement an ensemble of dress (such as a catsuit or a corset) which creates or highlights a certain persona for the wearer (see: sexual roleplay and cosplay).
Tight-fitting open-faced hoods are sometimes worn by dominatrices to project an image of intimidating sexual power and superiority. Some feel that the aesthetic appeal of these open-faced hoods in BDSM and cosplay lies in the way that they define the anatomical shape of the wearer's head with a smooth, shiny, luxuriant form-fitting fabric and emphasize the dominating woman's stern and haughty expression by elegantly framing the symmetrical features of her face. If the dominant party in a BDSM encounter chooses to wear a hood, it will almost always be one which allows for a greater level of awareness and control than the submissive possesses.