The history of erotic dolls dates back to early civilizations, where their use was often linked to fertility rituals, spiritual practices, and the exploration of sexuality. In ancient Egypt, for instance, dolls were crafted from clay and wood to represent fertility goddesses or to serve as symbols of sexual power. These figures were often part of religious rites meant to ensure agricultural fertility, demonstrating an early intersection of sexuality and spirituality.
In ancient Greece and Rome, the use of dolls or effigies for erotic purposes became more personal, although still linked to worship and fertility. Erotic figurines and objects were often seen in temples and personal shrines, where individuals could use them to evoke a connection to deities of love and fertility. These early “dolls” were sometimes considered tools to enhance personal pleasure, though their primary function was still spiritual or ceremonial.
By the 16th and 17th centuries, early forms of sex dolls began to emerge in European countries, particularly in the form of leather or cloth-based mannequins. These dolls were often used by sailors and men away from home, offering a means of sexual release during long voyages. These early creations were rudimentary by today’s standards, but they marked the beginning of the transformation of erotic dolls from spiritual symbols to personal objects for sexual gratification.
As cultural attitudes toward sex evolved, especially during the 19th and 20th centuries, sex dolls began to be perceived more openly as instruments for sexual exploration and independence. The societal taboos surrounding their use began to fade, and they slowly became a more accepted part of the sexual landscape.