Slavery the forbidden fruit.

Colossians 4:1: Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

The hair represents the branches of a fruit tree; detecting the noun cat-o’-nine-tails a rope whip with nine knotted cords, formerly used, especially at sea, to flog offenders. This instrument of punishment was authorized in the British navy and army until 1881. also to run the gauntlet.