Researchers from the University of Newcastle and University College Dublin studied the wooden artifact,
The wooden instrument was found back in 1992.The length of the product, shaped like a phallus, is about 16 cm in length. It was found in a ditch in the fort, along with many pairs of shoes and clothing accessories, as well as other small tools and craft waste. Because of the proximity, the researchers initially assumed that this was a weaving tool.
Wooden artifact from Vindolanda. Image: R. Sands, Antiquity
In a new study, British scientists conducted3D scan of a wooden artifact to identify possible uses. The study showed that the anatomical elements, including the image of the "head" were made by the author. Thus, the resemblance to the penis is not accidental, but provided for during development.
Based on the analysis of chips and wood structureresearchers have put forward three possible hypotheses for the application of this subject. In particular, the analysis showed that both ends of the object are smoother than the rest, indicating that it has been in constant use for a long time. Due to its life-size size and shape features, the researchers believe that the wooden phallus may have been used as a sex toy.
We know that the ancient Romans and Greeks used sexual devices - this object from Vindolanda may be an example of one of them.
Rob Collins, Senior Lecturer in Archeology at Newcastle University
An alternative hypothesis suggests thatthe archaeological find was used in the kitchen as a pestle. The unusual shape is explained by the cult of Priapus associated with fertility. In addition, the researchers believe that a wooden object could be inserted into a statue or just a recess in the wall and located at the entrance inside the building as a symbol to which they applied for good luck.
Main damage marks (left) and smoothed areas (right) on a wooden product. Image: Rob Collins, Rob Sands, Antiquity
Phallic shaped objects were widelycommon in the Roman Empire and were considered a remedy for bad luck, the researchers add. But to our time, mostly stone or metal phalluses have been preserved. Regardless of the actual function, the object found by Vindolanda is the oldest known wooden phallus.
Read more:
Land in China drilled to a record depth
It's not about the Earth: scientists explained why the solar system is the rarest
Medieval fortress accidentally discovered in the forest: the find surprised scientists