CARAS Webinar: The History of the Dominatrix; Sunday, April 23, 2023

The History of the Dominatrix

Presenter: Leonora Weston, MA (aka Anne O Nomis)

Sunday, April 23, 2023: 3-5pm (Pacific)/6-8pm (Eastern)

UPDATES: Please note that this webinar was originally scheduled for February 18, 2023 and has been rescheduled, and the time has been updated to 3-5pm (Pacific)/6-8pm (Eastern). Thanks to Dr. Katherine King, PsyD, for support.

Registration for this webinar is now closed.

Attendees may earn 1 Continuing Education (CE) credit

Cost: Attendance is free for all CARAS subscribers.

Attendance with CE credit is free for CARAS Professional and Student subscribers, and $40 for others.

Attendance without CE credit for non-subscribers is $25

Pre-registration is required. Registration will close at 3pm (U.S. Pacific)/6pm (U.S. Eastern) on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Please register early!

Webinar Abstract

Leonora Anne Weston (aka Anne O Nomis) is author of the book ‘The History & Arts of the Dominatrix’ and an International teacher of Dominance studies. Drawing from extensive archival and field research, and informed by her experience in formal apprenticeship and professional craft practice in Australia and the UK , in this talk Weston presents a fascinating and visual journey into the history of the Dominatrix, from ancient Mesopotamia to today.

The historical story summarized in this presentation includes a rich review of cultural iconography, meanings, practices, dress, roles, power dynamics, and the professional craft of the dominatrix.

While reviewing this history Weston, who is formally trained in archaeology with broad engagement of the arts and social sciences, will discuss methodological and theoretical issues that are relevant to the historical study of sexualities, and specifically the history of the dominatrix. Methodologically, Weston will address issues surrounding empirical sources for historical study of the dominatrix. Theoretically, the case of the dominatrix raises important questions regarding continuities and discontinuities when analyzing and culturally situating sexual practices and roles. While acknowledging the historical specificity of certain framings of what we today call "sexuality," such as medical discourses of disorder and perversion that emerged in the 19th century, Weston argues that there is compelling evidence to recognize historical continuities in cultural meanings, craft, and practices in the case of the dominatrix.

Knowledge gained in this presentation will enhance the cultural competency of clinicians and others who address modern professional domination, both sex workers and clients, in their professional work. Attendees will understand the broader historical and social contexts of professional domination and the dominatrix.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe the historical craft specialization and equipment of female flagellants and governesses, and other precursors of the modern Dominatrix.

• Analyze continuities and discontinuities of BDSM activities and power dynamics in history compared to modern day.

• Describe cultural and professional attributes of the modern dominatrix that are relevant to clinicians who may work with sex workers and their clients.

Presentation Content Level: Basic - Intermediate. This webinar will provide an introduction to the topic but also provide an opportunity for discussion at a more advanced level that presupposes basic knowledge of kink/BDSM communities and related sex work.

About the Presenter

Leonora Anne Weston has a Masters degree in Comparative Art and Archaeology from UCL (University College London), and has studied broadly across disciplines of Evolution of Human Cognition, Art History and Theory, Architecture and Design Studies, Law and Legal History, Classical Studies and Ancient World Studies.

She authored The History & Arts of the Dominatrix in 2013 under pseudonym of Anne O Nomis, a word-play on anonymous. It followed one year formal dungeon internship in 2009, professional craft education, four years of research in museums, libraries and underground sources, and is utilized as a curriculum text by Mistresses in teaching trainee apprentices in the USA, UK, Europe and Australia. Since 2015, she has been a full-time teacher of Dominance studies, with hundreds of students from around the world taking her 8 week “Seven Realm Arts” certificate course, from her dedicated Education Salon in Richmond Australia. She has taught at Oz KinkFest, DomCon USA and as teacher of the annual Villa Domme held in Tuscany and this year to be held in a castle in Portugal.

For more information about Weston's current projects, please visit: www.theki.com.au , historyofthedominatrix.com, and www.villadomme.com

References

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Head, R. (1673). The canting academy, or, The devils cabinet opened wherein is shewn the mysterious and villanous practices of that wicked crew, commonly known by the names of hectors, trapanners, gilts, &c. : to which is added a compleat canting-dictionary, both of old. Printed by F. Leac for Mat Drew. England.

Leigh, M. (1963). The Velvet Underground. Macfadden Books, USA.

Levey, T. G., & Pinsky, D. (2015). A Constellation of Stigmas: Intersectional Stigma Management and the Professional Dominatrix. Deviant Behavior, 36(5), 347-367. https://doi.org/10.1080/01639625.2014.935658

Lindemann, D. (2011). BDSM as Therapy. Sexualities, 14(2), 151-172. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363460711399038

Meador, Betty de Shong (2000). Inanna: Lady of the Largest Heart: Poems of the Sumerian High Priestess Enheduanna. University of Texas Press 

Nomis, A. O. (2013). The History & Arts of the Dominatrix. Mary Egan, Basingstoke, UK

Pinsky, D., & Levey, T. G. (2015). ‘A World Turned Upside Down’: Emotional Labour and the Professional Dominatrix. Sexualities, 18(4), 438-458. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363460714550904 [Download available here]

Rogers, B. (1967). Bizarre Lovemakers. New York, USA

Shadwell, T. (1676) Virtuoso. A Play. Robert L’Estrange, London. Printed by T. N. for Henry Herringman, at the Anchor in the Lower Walk of the New Exchange. Licensed May 31, 1676.  

Troth, T. (1680). The Knavery of Astrology discover’d, in observations upon every month, of the year 1680 together with the nature of the seven planets. Observations on April 1680, p.12 

Ward, E. (1698). London-Spy II  Printed for, and by J. How, and sold by Eliphal Jaye, at the sign of the candlestick, the lower-end of Cheapside, London. England.

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Williams, G. (1994). A Dictionary of Sexual Language &  Imagery in Shakespearean and Stuart Literature. London.

Wilson, M. (c1836-1877). “Preface by Mary Wilson” in Venus School-Mistress or Birchen Sports. England.

For information about this webinar, please visit (this page): https://www.carasresearch.org/latest-news/webinar-feb2023

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