Everybody’s So Creative: Roman Dildos Made of Bread
The ancient Romans might be known to mainstream folks for their innovative engineering, impressive architecture, and sophisticated culture, but here at Wienerology, and in ancient civilization history classrooms across the globe, the Romans are known for their accepting attitudes towards sex and sensuality.
A quick walk through the antiquities section of any encyclopedic museum will certainly provide examples of this in the form of phallic imagery and symbolism, as well as artistic representations of sexual acts taking place between a myriad of real and mythical players.
In ancient Rome, sexual expression was just not nearly as taboo as it is in most of today’s contemporary societies (thank the Gods), so the liberal Roman attitude towards sex has made them quite well known for their indulgence in various forms of eroticism and sensuality. Knowing this, how can we even be surprised that the Romans showcased both their resourcefulness for design and creativity in the realm of sexual pleasure by creating a bread dildo.
Yes, you read that correctly – the Romans made dildos out of bread.
While stone, wood, and metal were commonly used materials for crafting dildos, bread also became an unexpected medium for fulfilling sexual desires. The process of making bread dildos was relatively straightforward, as you can imagine. Bakers would use a special bread dough mixture that they shaped into phallic forms and they paid careful attention to detail and texture, just like we see in modern-day dildos and sex toys.
Once shaped, the bread dildos were baked in brick ovens until they reached the desired firmness and then allowed to cooled. After cooling, they were ready for use, providing a unique and pleasurable experience for those who sought sexual gratification. A popular way to use these bread dildos would be to slather them in olive oil. This old timey lube made penetration easier and allowed for a more enjoyable eating experience, you know, in case you were super hungry afterwards and wanted to eat that moist bread.
While the use of bread dildos may seem unconventional to contemporary sensibilities, the shape and ingredients (flour) held symbolic significance in ancient Roman culture. Bread, commonly made from wheat, was not only a staple food for the ancient Romans but also served as a important symbol of fertility, abundance, and prosperity.
By incorporating bread into their sexual practices, the Romans may have sought to harness these symbolic associations to enhance their sexual experiences and ensure reproductive success.
It is also possible that these handy dandy bread dildos may have been used in more ritualistic contexts, rather than just for a person to pleasure themselves. This is because fertility rites, and other religious ceremonies honoring gods associated with love and sexuality, served to strengthen social bonds, promote fertility, and invoke divine blessings for sexual health and vitality.
While bread dildos are no longer a common practice in modern society, their existence offers a fascinating glimpse into the sexual customs and practices of ancient Rome. They demonstrate the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Romans in finding creative solutions to fulfill their desires and explore their sexuality using a commodity they had around their homes.
Moreover, the use of bread dildos highlights the complex relationship between food, sex, and culture throughout history. It serves as a reminder that sexual expression is deeply intertwined with cultural beliefs, social norms, and material resources, shaping the ways in which individuals experience pleasure and intimacy.
