Explanation:

- Peculium: This refers to a sum of money or property that a master allowed a slave to manage or possess. It wasn't full ownership, as ultimate control remained with the master.

- Gift: A gift implies a transfer of ownership. In historical contexts, a slave could not hold property independently, so a true gift might be complex legally.

- Compensation: This is payment in exchange for something, such as work or loss. Slaves typically didn’t receive compensation as free individuals would.

- Award: An award is generally given as recognition or entitlement, which might not reflect the realities of slave-master relationships.

The correct answer is:

- Peculium