The Dildo: An Intriguing Chronicle of Sexual History

julio 25, 2023 5 min read

dildos and vibrators from eden's temple kink boutique

In the realm of human sexual history, the dildo holds a fascinating and integral position. Tracing back thousands of years, it is indisputably one of the oldest known sex toys. From the paradigm of fertility to sexual independence, the dildo tells an extraordinary tale of sociocultural evolution.

Originating as Primitive Symbols

The term 'dildo' most likely evolved from Italian 'diletto' which means 'delight.' However, the object far predates this term. Artifacts bearing a striking resemblance to contemporary dildos have been unearthed from widely diverse historic periods and cultures. For instance, archaeologists have discovered polish siltstone phallus estimated to be 28,000 years old in Germany, while ancient Egyptian drawings often depict phallic objects.

The dildo in question, which was found in a cave in Germany, was crafted from siltstone, a type of softer stone that was easily shaped and smoothed. Measuring about 20 centimetres in length, it displays impressive craftsmanship with a polished surface and a tapered shape resembling a phallus. Its purpose is believed to have been more than just a decorative item, suggesting that it may have been used for sexual pleasure or even as a ritualistic object in ancient practices. This fascinating discovery provides a glimpse into human sexuality and the ingenuity of our ancestors.

We have also seen evidence in ancient Egyptian drawings where they often depict phallic objects. In these societies, such objects were typically symbols of fertility and were often used in religious ceremonies. They were sometimes buried with women, suggesting their role in accompanying the woman into her afterlife, fulfilling potential sexual needs.

Early Manufacturing and Use

Our knowledge of early dildo usage often comes from Greek and Roman texts. Greeks were known for using 'olisbos,' dildos made from wood or leather, while Romans often made theirs from bronze or leather, stuffed with wool for a realistic feel. In ancient Rome, dildos were used in public rituals, demonstrating how their perception varied considerably from the norms of our times.

Transition into Modern Times

In the 15th century, the Italian Renaissance saw a sort of sexual restoration, leading to increased acceptance of sex aids such as dildos. Around the same period, sailors' wives reportedly used 'he's-at-homes', dildos made from cloth and old clothes when their husbands were at sea.

In the 19th century, the invention of rubber spurred the development of mass-produced dildos. However, the Victorian era's prudishness saw them being marketed as 'health devices,' mainly used for medical procedures or as a cure for 'hysteria' in women. Only in the 20th century, with the sexual revolution, did we again start recognizing and promoting dildos as instruments of sexual pleasure.

Post Sexual Revolution Era

The 20th-century sexual liberation movement brought a reappraisal of the dildo. They were rebranded as sex-positive objects, empowering individuals to explore sexual satisfaction independently. Dildos started being produced in various sizes, colors, and forms. They were made from silicone for a more skin-like feel, and technologies like vibration were incorporated.

Present and Future of the Dildo

Today, sex toys, including dildos, are more conventionally accepted and are often seen as an extension of a healthy and exploratory sex life. They are sold globally, online and in physical stores, indicating the public's increased comfort with sexual expression. Futuristic dildos now incorporate smart technology, allowing for remote control and offering a range of functionalities.

The dildo’s history charts a compelling path from taboo to acceptance. It reflects evolving societal attitudes towards sexuality, pleasure, and gender dynamics. As we continue to embrace sexual openness and realism, the role of the dildo will persist in empowering individuals to achieve autonomous sexual expression and fulfillment. This progression underlines the importance of sexual education and open dialogues about sexual practices, the benefits of which are manifold.

Adding electricity to the equation

Cleopatra

Before we get into the history of the vibrator, let's talk about Cleopatra. We've all heard the myth. Cleopatra, in an effort to pleasure herself and enhance her sexual experiences, would supposedly fill a hollow gourd with angry bees and use it for stimulation. However, it's important to note that this story has no historical foundation and no credible sources support its validity. It appears to be a sensationalised tale created for entertaining or sensational purposes, rather than something grounded in historical accuracy.

While Cleopatra, the famed Egyptian queen, was known for her allure and sexual exploits, there is no concrete proof linking her to the invention of the vibrator.

Medical Purposes

The history of vibrators is more complex and dates back much further, with evidence of ancient civilisations using various objects and tools for sexual stimulation. Vibrators, in their more recognisable form, began appearing in the late 19th century as medical devices to treat ailments such as "female hysteria." It's important to separate historical facts from entertaining legends when discussing such topics.

The history of the vibrator is a fascinating narrative entwined with societal norms, medical misconceptions, and the evolution of sexual empowerment. The first ever vibrator was not created as a tool for sexual pleasure, but as a medical instrument, manifesting society’s restricted understanding of female sexuality during the Victorian era.

In the 19th century, before the advent of the vibrator, 'hysteria' was a catch-all diagnosis for a variety of ailments in women, including anxiety, irritability, and sexual desires. Physicians performed 'pelvic massages' as a treatment for this so-called condition, inducing what they referred to as 'hysterical paroxysm'-- what we recognise today as an orgasm.

Due to the increasing demands for this treatment and the physical toll it took on the doctors, Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville, an English physician, invented the first vibrator around the 1880s. Granville’s percuteur was a big, heavy, steam-powered machine intended to save physicians the hands-on effort. It was initially designed to treat muscle ailments and didn’t take long before doctors realised that it could be used to induce 'hysterical paroxysm' more efficiently and quickly.

While the actual motivations for inventing the vibrator may have been grounded in physical therapy, the implementation of the device was unmistakably tied to female sexuality. However, the sexual implications were downplayed. These devices were heavily marketed as home appliances for women, and the advertising language emphasised health and beauty, rather than pleasure.

20th Century

With the introduction of electricity into homes and advancements in technology, these machines became smaller and more portable. By the early 1900s, portable electric vibrators became available and more accessible. However, with the advent of explicit erotic films in the 1920s using vibrators, their societal acceptance waned, and they were driven out of mainstream public consumption due to the burgeoning stigmatisation.

It was only in the midst of the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s did the vibrator reemerge as a tool for sexual pleasure, breaking the shackles of the 'medical device' label. Today, the vibrator has been reinvented in countless ways and has gone from being a taboo subject to a symbol of sexual independence and wellness.

In conclusion, the history of the worlds first dildo provides an intriguing glimpse into the evolution of our understanding of female sexual health and pleasure. Today, dildos and vibrators are both celebrated instruments of self-exploration and sexual liberation, highlighting societal strides in accepting and promoting open dialogues surrounding sexual health and satisfaction... and long may it continue.

Dejar un comentario

Los comentarios se aprobarán antes de mostrarse.