The Vindolanda phallus, unearthed in the north of England, may be the oldest known wooden dildo, according to a new study.
The research paper, recently published online in Antiquity by Cambridge University Press, discusses new possibilities for what the Vindolanda phallus might have been used for.1
The Vindolanda phallus was unearthed in 1992 at the Vindolanda archaeological site in Northumberland county, along with a set of shoes and clothing accessories in a ditch. Therefore, when it was discovered, it was thought to be a kind of darning tool. But the new study shows that it may not be.
Located just south of Hadrian’s Wall, Vindolanda and its surroundings remained under Roman rule for about 285 years from 85 AD.2
The wooden phallus, which was re-examined in detail about 30 years after its discovery, may indeed have been used as a sexual toy, according to the researchers.
It was stated that the Vindolanda phallus was about 16 cm (6.3 inches) long and was made of ash wood. However, it is estimated that the length of the object may have shortened over time as a result of shrinkage. It is not known whether there are any symbolic reasons for choosing ash wood as the material.
One of the study’s co-authors, archaeologist Rob Collins of Newcastle University told ULUKAYIN:
“It is possible that ash had a particular symbolic value or association in Roman culture. In our paper, we point to the association of ash with the certain gods, for example. However, given that the Roman Empire encompassed many different local cultures, and the Roman army was a mixing ground for those people of different cultures, we cannot rule out the possibility that ash had different associations for different cultures. It may have been a symbolic choice of wood, or it may not have been. Unfortunately, we cannot be certain.”
And he added: “Ash, however, is also a common wood to use when making handles or hafts of tools. Mature ash can be very strong and hard-wearing. In the case of this object, it was young ash, which means it is likely to not be as hard, and that may have given it properties desirable for its use.”
Although many phallus figurines and reliefs have been found before, the object is the only life-size wooden specimen among Roman phallic artworks, according to the study.
Rob Collins told CNN that the object could be a sexual toy. Based on Roman literature and art, he said that they already knew that the Romans used dildos.3
However, the researchers stress that the object in question may have also been used for inhumane purposes, such as torture and reinforcing domination over slaves, rather than sexual pleasure and passion.
There are signs of repeated contact on both ends of the phallus
The fact that the ends of the object are smoother than the other parts is considered as an important clue to make inferences about why it might have been used. According to the study, this indicates that both ends of the object are abraded and smoothed by repeated contact.
According to the researchers, the phallus may have been a ritual object touched by the Romans to ward off evil and have good luck. The study notes that this was a common ritual among the Romans.
Another possibility is that the fallus was used as a pestle to grind things. In this case, it is estimated that the phallus may also have been believed to provide symbolic protection to the grinded or stirred thing.
Professor Allison Glazebrook, who focuses on Greek social and cultural history, gender and sexuality, told ULUKAYIN:
“It’s my understanding that the phallus from Vindolanda has no specific context and so that makes its interpretation difficult. The three reconstructed uses by the authors all sound reasonable. Its use as an addition to a statue or inserted into a wall would qualify as an apotropaic use.”
“The phallus was an important symbol of potency for both Greeks and Romans and that potency gave it protective powers that included warding off the evil eye. In the Roman world, phalli appear in relief stone carvings on buildings, as metal pendants and charms for jewellery and wind chimes, as well as in paintings inside the home with this purpose in mind. Its potency also transferred to other things and so its use as a pestle could increase the efficacy of the substance being ground.”
“The most controversial interpretation is likely its use as a sex toy, but literature does attest to the existence of such objects in Greek and Roman culture and so it is important to consider and discuss this possible use. It’s the size of the find that allows for this final suggestion. It’s also its size and its material, wood, which does not preserve well, that make the find unique. The safest interpretation would be the first suggestion – that it was originally attached to a wall or statue. For every interpretation there are some drawbacks in addition to support.”
- “Touch wood: luck, protection, power or pleasure? A wooden phallus from Vindolanda Roman fort“, Rob COLLINS & Rob SANDS, Cambridge University Press, Antiquity, February 20, 2023[↩]
- “Vindolanda Guide: The Home of Britain’s Finest Treasures”, Andrew BIRLEY & Robin BIRLEY, Roman Army Museum Publications, ISBN: 9781873136591[↩]
- Amarachi ORIE, CNN, February 20, 2023[↩]