Did Ancient People Have Sex Toys?
Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Deep Dive
What is the oldest known sex toy and where was it found?
The oldest known sex toy is a stone phallus, approximately 30,000 years old, found in the Hohle Fels cave in Germany. There is debate over whether it was used as a dildo or had ceremonial purposes.
What is the myth surrounding vibrators and Victorian doctors?
The myth claims that Victorian doctors used vibrators to treat women for hysteria by inducing orgasms, supposedly because their hands got tired. This story is false and has been debunked, though it has persisted in popular culture.
What materials were used to make dildos in medieval times?
In medieval times, dildos were made from materials like leather, ivory, and wood. These were often expensive and handmade, primarily accessible to the upper classes.
Who invented the first electromechanical vibrator and what was its initial purpose?
Joseph Mortimer Granville invented the first electromechanical vibrator in the 1800s. Initially, it was used for treating male impotence by vibrating the perineum, not for women's sexual pleasure.
What role did Gosnell Duncan play in the history of sex toys?
Gosnell Duncan, a paraplegic engineer, invented the silicone dildo in the 1970s. He designed it to help disabled individuals, including himself, have fulfilling sexual experiences. He also pioneered inclusive skin tones for sex toys.
How were sex toys marketed in the U.S. during the 1950s and 1960s?
Sex toys were marketed as marital aids to circumvent anti-obscenity laws. For example, dildos were sold as devices for men to use with their wives, even though they were often used for masturbation.
What is the 'womanizer' and how does it work?
The 'womanizer' is a clitoral stimulator that uses air suction technology to create a sensation similar to vacuuming the clitoris. It represents a significant innovation in sex toy technology.
What is the future of sex toys according to Hallie Lieberman?
Hallie Lieberman envisions a future with more research into women's sexuality and the development of sex dolls designed for women, featuring clitoral stimulation. She also advocates for increased funding in sex tech research.
What is the significance of Betty Dodson in the history of vibrators?
Betty Dodson, a second-wave feminist, introduced vibrators to the feminist movement in the 1960s and 1970s. She organized masturbation workshops to teach women about their bodies and sexual pleasure, challenging societal taboos.
What are some challenges with current sex doll technology for women?
Current sex dolls are primarily designed for men, with few options for women. Female users often find male dolls too heavy and lacking in features like clitoral stimulation, highlighting a gap in the market.
- Oldest sex toy: 30,000-year-old stone phallus
- Debate about its function: sex toy vs. ceremonial object
- Male fear of dildos: historical context
Shownotes Transcript