In 1992 various artifacts made from organic materials were found in a Roman fort in Vindolanda, England. Wooden tablets with inscriptions, a pair of boxing gloves and 2,000 other items were found. More than 30 years later, researchers from the University of Newcastle and Dublin College re-examined one of the pieces originally identified as a darling instrument and have now identified its possible use as a sexual artefact.

Stone and wooden phallus were recognized as part of the Roman world, used as a way to ward off bad luck. Often members are depicted in frescoes and mosaics, or form part of the decoration of other objects, such as knives and pottery; there are also remains of small penises made of bone or metal used in art or necklaces. However, the one from Vindolanda is the first identified example of a wooden sexual object.

The few remains made of wood may be due to the fact that most of them have been burnt or damaged and, therefore, have never been preserved. The Vindolanda linga analyzed was 160 millimeters long and carved from light ash wood, with a wide cylindrical base having a convex end, a narrower shaft, and a glandular end. Additionally, experts determined through tactile exploration that the object was softer on the tip, which could indicate repeated contact in the area after use.

explore other explanations

In addition to those suggesting its use as a sexual object, scientists are exploring three different explanations for the object’s possible initial purpose. In their results, they demonstrated the possibility that the instrument, because of its easy-to-hand-grip size, could be used as a mortar pestle, whether for culinary, cosmetic, or medicinal purposes.

Another function that experts may point out is that the phallus could be inserted into the statue so that passers-by could touch it to absorb good luck or activate protection against bad luck, something common in the Roman empire. If so, the statue may be located at the entrance of an important building, such as the commandant’s house or the headquarters building. However, evidence points to it being indoors, or at least outdoors.

It is difficult to prove that Vindolanda’s phallus was used as a sexual tool. Although it explicitly mimics the anatomical shape of the penis, neither the facts nor the size suggests enough. It is also impossible to track down any sign of the lubricant, as neither substance nor human secretions stand a chance of archaeological survival.

“The size of the phallus and the fact that it was carved from wood raises a number of questions about its use in ancient times. We are unable to ascertain its intended use, in contrast to most phallic objects which use the form symbolically for a clear function, such as a good luck charm. We know that the ancient Romans and Greeks used sexual tools, this object from Vindolanda serves as an example,” added archaeologist Rob Collins of Newcastle University.

While its interpretation as a sexual object is complicated, the researchers add that “we must be prepared to accept the presence of dildos and manifestations of sexual practices in past material cultures.”