the history of sex toys

The earliest known dildo was discovered at Hohle Fels Cave in Germany and found to date back to the Paleolithic era. While researchers think it could have been used as a hammerstone, it's high-gloss polish and the fact that other similarly carved artifacts have been found among common personal care items seems to suggest it was in fact a pleasure product.  While this siltstone phallus is certainly the oldest suspected sex toy, it is far from the only discovery from the ancient world. Archaeological discoveries in Eurasia have revealed the existence of suspected dildos that date back to 40,000-10,000 BCE. Read more about these ancient dildos here. 

The Romans are credited for the creation of the double ended dildo, which was used for partners, friends and ceremonial practices, too. During this time, the Greeks starting shaping phalluses from all kinds of materials. In an effort to upgrade from dangerous and uncomfortably hard materials. the Greeks developed what they called "olisbokollikes." These were dildos that were baked from bread. They also were known to use olive oil as lube, taking "food porn" to a whole new level. Experimenting with covering dildos with layers of leather or animal intestines was another way of creating a more natural texture. This is something that sex toy manufacturers still strive for in their products today! Look at all the modern day fixes we have for this now, Fuck Water Water-Based Lube or the even spicier Fuck Sauce Cinnamon Flavored Warming Lube. 

Chinese nobility believed that wearing cock rings would increase their chance of producing an heir. While many of these cock rings were beautiful pieces carved out of fine materials like jade and ivory, it was very common to find them made out of goat eyelids. The eyelashes were kept attached for extra texture and stimulation. Learn more about sex in ancient China here.

 

Woodblock prints from Japan's Edo Period reveal a sex toy catalog organized according to the four seasons, with each toy intended for a different time of year. With their belief that sex and health are interconnected, there was a common saying about how many times a week one should have sex for optimal health: "spring three, summer six, autumn one, winter none." Notice the illustration for winter depicts a chastity device for men and a rather generous dildo for women. Today, Haus of Toys has you covered with a variety of generously sized dildos, and even strokers, too!

 

The (misogynistic) male doctors who devised and implemented the first vibrators were actually not at all concerned with women's sexual pleasure. They were more concerned with attempting to rid themselves of the inconvenient hand cramps that came from treating "hysteria," a common "women's ailment" at the time that was treated by inducing a "hysterical paroxysm" (ie. orgasm) through manual stimulation. American physician George Taylor patented the first of these machines in 1869, the steam-powered Manipulator—a padded table outfitted with a motor powering a vibrating ball in the center, where "treatments" were administered. At this time, it also became popular to use this type of machinery at beauty parlors. This helped make sure clientele walked out with a healthy glow, because "the sensations from their use are pleasing and the results instantaneous." Don't worry, if you want to treat your "hysteria" today, look no further than Haus of Toys' selection of vibrators.

The vibrator was the fifth home appliance to be electrified (after the sewing machine, fan, tea kettle and toaster). It even came almost 9 years before the electric vacuum. In the early 1900s, several personal models were on the market and advertisements touting the healing powers of vibration were common. Dr. Mortimer Granville patented the first portable, battery-powered vibrator in 1883 and equipped it with an array of “vibratodes” (attachments). 

In the 1970s, it was said that "masturbation is liberation." Sex educator Betty Dobson began teaching women-only masturbation workshops, suggesting that masturbation was one way that women could take back their own autonomy and work towards liberation. Dobson personally recommended the Hitachi Magic Wand to the women who joined her groups, making it one of the most popular and most recognized sex toys of all time. 

The sex toy industry has seen tremendous growth since the days of 28,000-year-old stone dongs. With advancements in technology, a wide range of products from anal beads to clitoral sucking devices are now available, enhancing the sexual pleasure of many. Toys have become more adventurous, with monster dongs like our Transformer Monster Dildo, or beautiful glass pieces like our Tentacle Tongue Glass Dildo. Now it is possible to make your wildest fantasies come to life while donning a Rainbow Tail. Technology has advanced far enough for us to have bluetooth powered remote-control butt-plugs like the Asstastic Vibrating Remote Control Butt Plug or the famous app-controlled Lovense Lush 3. 

 

After all that discussion about toys, are you considering adding one to your collection or trying one for the first time? What new developments or inventions do you want to see in the sex toy industry come 2050? Tell us what you think in the comments!