In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, eroticism and sexuality were openly explored in both artistic and social contexts. The use of erotic sex dolls, while not as widely documented as other practices, can be traced back to early depictions of sexuality, and their function was often connected to fertility, divine favor, and sexual rites. Erotic figurines and dolls were used as surrogates, symbolic representations of sexual pleasure, and fertility idols.
In ancient Greece, sexual figurines made from terracotta or wood were often created for domestic use. These figures were linked to the worship of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and were believed to have protective or fertility-enhancing qualities. Some artifacts suggest that these dolls were employed as symbols of fertility, intended to ensure the health and prosperity of the household. Their use could also have been an expression of sexual liberation, providing a means for people to explore their desires within a religious or cultural framework.
The Romans, influenced by Greek practices, similarly used erotic imagery and objects for both practical and symbolic purposes. Erotic figurines, often referred to as “fascinum,” were thought to protect against the “evil eye” and were sometimes worn as amulets. The symbolic representation of sexuality, through objects and figurines, was considered an important part of both private and public life, especially in the context of fertility and divine favor.
While these early forms of sex dolls were less about personal pleasure and more about spiritual and social beliefs, they laid the groundwork for the symbolic use of erotic objects in later cultures, ultimately contributing to the development of modern sex dolls as tools for both physical and emotional fulfillment.