Humans have always found a way to pursue pleasure, and while many people assume that sex toys are a modern invention, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, archeologists have discovered an ancient sex toy that is older than the wheel. Turns out the thrill of having good times precedes one of the basic tools that laid the foundation for civilization.
While there are still gaps in how we understand how humans in the past led their lives, archaeological finds provide great insights into man’s journey through time. With these, a lot of myths and misconceptions about sex toys can be tackled.
Let’s dive in and see how sex toys have evolved from ancient sex toys carved from stone to the latest innovations leveraging futuristic technologies such as AI.
Ancient Sex Toys and Their Deep Cultural and Religious Significance
The oldest sex toy discovered by archeologists is a siltstone phallus (dildo) that was found in Hohle Fels Cave, Germany. It dates back to over 28,000 years ago, and once rebuilt from the fragments found, it measures 20 cm long and 3 cm wide.
Speculations are that besides being used for sexual pleasure, it may have had ceremonial and/or fertility-related purposes.
Egyptian Artifacts
In ancient Egypt, sex was honored as it was considered a gift from the gods. It was even believed that sexual pleasure carried over into the afterlife. Archeologists were able to make the connections from the numerous paintings, relics, ointments, and scented oils that have been found in tombs. Most of the tomb paintings depict women wearing phallic objects and paying tribute to fertility gods.
Ancient Greeks and Romans
It’s long been discovered that the ancient Greeks and Romans took pleasure very seriously. Ancient sex toys such as olisbos, which was their version of a dildo made of softened leather, would be smeared with olive oil for lubrication and used for pleasure. These devices were popular, especially in brothels and during celebrations as proven by the art and literature from these civilizations. What more can we expect from a time when vibrancy in sex wasn’t hidden away but instead was widely celebrated?
Ancient China/Asia
In ancient China and Asia, notably during the peak of the Han Dynasty, sex toys became popular, especially among the elite and wealthy. Since sex was considered to be more than a physical act but also a spiritual one, objects such as bronze dildos have been found in several tombs.
Across Asia, there are also widespread art depictions of sexual scenes that feature ancient sex toys. All these archeological findings highlight an appreciation for sexual pleasure and how it blended seamlessly with the culture.
A Leap into Modernity: The 19th and Early 20th Centuries
The Industrial Revolution of the 19th and early 20th centuries was crucial for the invention of better and more practical pleasure devices. While, in many cases, the original idea was not to develop a sex toy, discoveries and innovations during this period ultimately set the ground for the sex toy industry.
For example, when Charles Goodyear discovered the vulcanization process in 1844, it not only revolutionized the car industry but later allowed for the production of condoms, dildos, and other sex toys.
Later, in 1869, Dr. George Taylor created the first manipulator, which was a monster machine with an attached dildo that a patient would hold onto to receive vibration. However, it was Dr. Joseph Granville who created and patented the first electromechanical vibrator that was designed to relieve muscle aches. There were several models of this device, including one that could fit in the palm and was used for much more than relieving general muscle tension.
As technology improved, the Andis vibrator was designed and became popular in the 1930s and 1940s. While it was promoted as a beauty tool to be used for promoting blood circulation in the body and face, it was used for more than that.
Women’s Sexual Liberation of the 1960s & 70’s
As modern civilization took root, a lot of sexual practices were not acceptable in society. In particular, there was a lot of prohibition on what women could do. However, in the 1960s & 70s, sexual liberation began as positive talk about women’s masturbation and the need for their sexual pleasure was discussed in workshops and women’s groups.
Sexual educators such as Betty Dobson taught women how to take back their autonomy. Since the marketing of sex aids was prohibited, most toys were promoted as personal massagers. It’s here that the Hitachi magic wand started growing popular, ultimately becoming a sex toy that women could easily buy and use.
These positive developments alongside innovations such as Gosnell Duncan’s formula for body-safe silicone pioneered a new path for the sex toy industry. Now, both men and women could have soft, heat-resistant, and easy-to-sterilize toys.
Later, in the 1990s, laws outlawing the promotion and sale of sex toys (Especially in the USA, where some states had very tough laws) were repelled, providing a suitable environment for the development of the sex industry.
Enter the Modern Sex Toys of the 21st Century
The 21st century marked a boom for the sex industry as there was great technological advancement from the very onset. Coupled with growing competition among brands that focused on the production of sex toys, a greater variety of these pleasure devices were now readily available.
Manufacturing and safety standards also greatly improved, with reputable brands adhering to guidelines required for ISO certifications or FDA approvals. This meant that from the early 2000s, modern sex toys were not only made from body-safe materials, but there were more options for people with different needs, interests, and conditions.
By 2010, sex toy innovation was outstanding as life-like pleasure devices and remote-controlled toys became popular. Both men and women also had countless options to choose from, as there were toys of all sizes, shapes, and designs to meet the growing demand.
The Next Frontier: Future Sex Toys
The sex toy industry continues to grow, and the future is not only thrilling but very high-tech. New and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and biometric sensors are now being incorporated into sex toys.
The expectation is that sex toys will be more personalized and integrated into your everyday routines. These tech-driven innovations also mean that sex toys will be for almost everyone, as already most adults are familiar with these devices and open to using them regularly.
Conclusion
Sex toys have a rich history and have always been part of our societies from ancient civilizations to current times. The future looks even more exciting as technology is fast improving and becoming central to how we manage our daily affairs.
Even as we wait to see what the new era holds, there has never been a better time to embrace your sexuality than the present. There are no limitations to the toys that are within your reach, regardless of your gender or sexual preferences.
How about you start exploring and get a first-hand experience of the thrills that modern sex toys provide?