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William Blake's image (right) of a black woman being whipped was created for a book about slavery in Surinam. However, the vision it presents is significant for North American slavery as well. In their efforts to assert control, masters not only dressed their slaves, but also undressed them. Slaves were stripped for inspection on the auction block and often provided with insufficient clothing while working in the fields.
Whipping, a common form of slave punishment, demanded the removal of clothing. For the female slave, this generally meant disrobing down to the waist. Although her state of half dress allowed the woman some modesty, it also exposed her naked breasts to all eyes. This sight reinforced white perceptions associating sexuality with the "uncivilized" black female. At the same time, the slave's body, uncovered and vulnerable, could provoke the desire of onlookers, increasing the chances of the woman being sexually assaulted as well.
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