Phallic object from 2 thousand years ago found by researchers
Photo: Disclosure/University of Newcastle/Vindolanda Trust
Researchers found item shaped phallic of wood at the Roman fort of Vindolanda, south of Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. At the time of its discovery in 1992, it was considered that the item was a sewing tool, but following a new study, researchers from the University of Newcastle and University College Dublin have hypothesized about the object’s use.
At the time of Roman Empirethe symbol of the penis was used as an amulet against bad luck, and people used phallic objects made of metal, bones and other materials as pendants and even as decorations in their homes.
When the almost 2,000-year-old item was found, it was alongside various other artifacts, such as shoes, tools, pieces of clothing and even craft remains.
Due to its size (15 centimeters), the researchers chose to make a new analysis of the object. They found that the edges of the artifact were worn and smoother, something that indicated repeated use over time.
According to researcher Rob Collins, leader of the new research, the size of the object and the material that was used to build it raise some questions about its use. He points out that if it is in fact a sex toyit will be the oldest example in the region of Great Britain.
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Collins also believes that one cannot say with certainty about the purpose of this object, unlike most other phallic objects found previously, which had a more evident symbolic use, as good luck and protection amulets.
The researchers also highlight that in Roman art and literature, vibrators were used at the time, but there are still no archaeological finds.
The team theorizes that the object may have been used as a sex toy, but that it may also have served other purposes. According to the researchers, the artifact could serve as a pestle to grind ingredients intended for the production of cosmetics or medicines.
Another hypothesis raised is that he was part of a statue frequently touched by people in search of luck, a common practice throughout the Roman Empire. However, the team emphasizes that to date no evidence of such a statue has been found inside the Roman fort.
Source: Byte Editorial
