Among the more
enigmatic figures of Gor is the Free Woman. Often found living quietly within
the confines of her home, enjoying the spectular high bridges of the cities or
browsing quiet shops, the Free woman of Gor generally seperates herself from the
more boisterous aspects of Gorean life. She is the daughter, sister and
compliment to the Gorean Free Man. She is the mate who maintains the home,
raises the children and acts as hostess within the home. Though never considered
the equal of the free man, her station is far different from that of a slave.
Both feminine and free, she is a valued member of the Gorean society. The Free
Woman enjoys all the entitlements and status of a Free Person of Gor. Free women
may speak freely and without permission. Generally treated with respect by those
of her home and well regarded and protected by the men of her homestone, there
are some Goreans espousing the pernicious belief ,
"There are only two kinds of women, slaves, and slaves."(SoG, p134).
With the possibility of enslavement she has learned to walk a precarious line, the threat a real potential in her life. Thus, the free woman protects herself in numerous ways. Wearing the heavy Robes of Concealment, with as many as five veils as well as distancing herself from the paga taverns and any behaviour considered "salve-like", she strives to maintain her freedom.
The Robes of Concealment ...an important safety factor for the Free Woman in her avoidence of slavery. This garb serves well in its defensive purpose...what Gorean Male would risk his life for that which he has not seen? Loose fitting and of multiple layers, they are designed to obscure the woman who wears them.
"She adjusted my robes about me, concealing... She then pinned the veil in place. It was very beautiful..little could now be seen of me but my eyes and a bit of the bridge of my nose".(SOG)p. 179.
While many Gorean Free woman may own and wear a single veil, the custom can include up to five for the women of high caste in the cities. Each with a significance, they may be worn simultaneously. The innermost, known as the modesty veil, is sheer and worn in the private areas of the house. A second veil is added whenever she leaves her chambers. The third, more opague and concealing is known as the pride veil., worn as she moves about her home. The house veil is then added when there are male guests visiting the home. Lastly, the Street veil, the thickest and heavest, will be in place whenever she leaves her home. Though mandated in some of the cities of Gor, the veils are often worn as a matter of custom. The removal of these veils by force is know as facestripping,..
"I, though a free woman, had been face-stripped before free men. My face was as bare to them as though I might be a slave...Face-stripping a free woman, against her will, can be a serious crime on Gor." (SOG) p.241.