top of page

The Buzz About Vibrators: A History of the Ultimate Pleasure Device

Vibrators are a popular and widely used sex toy that can enhance sexual pleasure and intimacy for people of all genders and orientations. However, the history of the vibrator is often overlooked and misunderstood. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating history of the vibrator and discuss the ways in which it has evolved over time. From its early beginnings as a medical device to its current status as a mainstream pleasure product, we'll delve into the many facets of the vibrator's history and its impact on our understanding and attitudes towards sexuality. So get ready to buzz about the ultimate pleasure device!



The feminist movement, the availability of birth control, and the push for gender equality have greatly impacted how we view and discuss female sexuality in modern times. However, the perception and treatment of female sexuality has varied throughout history, with some cultures valuing and prioritizing women's pleasure and orgasm, while others have sought to suppress it. Ultimately, the control and manipulation of female sexuality, including the use of vibrators and sex toys, has often been used to serve the interests of men and maintain the patriarchy. Despite this, women have always fought for their own sexual rights and the pursuit of pleasure.


To delve into the history of vibrators, we must go back to ancient times, around 12,000 B.C. According to a 2017 book called Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy by Dr. Hallie Lieberman, archaeologists have found eight-inch carved phalluses that are dated to be around 30,000 years old. These objects, which are adorned with tattoos, piercings, and foreskin, are believed to be ancient dildos.


As we move forward in history, we see how people's understanding and experience of sexual pleasure evolves with the development of new methods of enjoyment. For example, according to Brenda Love's Encyclopedia of Unusual Sex Practices, Cleopatra is said to have used jars filled with bees as a vibrator for her clitoris during the period from 69-30 B.C. While this claim is highly disputed, it is interesting to consider the creative ways in which people in the past found ways to experience pleasure.


In sixth century B.C. of ancient Greece, an entirely new understanding of female sexuality emerged. The word hysteria became popular, derived from the Greek word hysterika, which means “uterus.” At the time, physicians believed that the uterus was to blame for various female ailments. Unfortunately, that rhetoric never left. Though this was a prevailing idea, it did not stop women from totally enjoying themselves with dildos entirely made of bread covered in olive oil which functioned as lube. This creation was dubbed the olisbo-kollix, meaning “the breadstick dildo.” To discover more about the fascinating sexual environment in Ancient Greece, check out Viki Léon’s novel The Joy of Sexus: Lust, Love, and Longing in the Ancient World.


During the 6th century B.C. in ancient Greece, a new understanding of female sexuality emerged, and the word "hysteria" became popular. This term was derived from the Greek word "hysterika," which means "uterus," and at the time, doctors believed that the uterus was the cause of various female health issues. Despite this belief, women in ancient Greece still found ways to enjoy themselves sexually, including using dildos made of bread covered in olive oil, known as olisbo-kollix or "breadstick dildos." To learn more about the sexual culture in ancient Greece, you can read Viki Léon's book The Joy of Sexus: Lust, Love, and Longing in the Ancient World.


At the same time that ancient Greece was developing its own understanding of female sexuality, the Kama Sutra, a text from ancient India, was providing guidance on how to enhance sexual pleasure and intimacy in marriages. While the Kama Sutra is well-known for discussing different sexual positions, it also covers a wide range of topics related to healthy sexual relationships, including courtship and the importance of grooming. If a man is unable to satisfy his partner, the Kama Sutra even suggests the use of a strap-on dildo.


During the Middle Ages, female sexuality and pleasure were condemned by religious teachings, and the publication of the Malleus Maleficarum book outlined how to prosecute witches and referred to the clitoris as "the devil's teat." However, the Victorian era marked a shift in these views. In 1869, Dr. Joseph Mortimer Granville invented the vibrator, which was originally used by doctors to treat women's "hysteria" by inducing orgasms through manual stimulation of the clitoris. It is suggested, but not confirmed, that this was the reason for the creation of the vibrator. By the early 1900s, companies began producing vibrators for women to use at home, leading to the diverse range of sex toys and vibrators available today.

The Shelton vibrator’s motor head with various attachments, made by General Electric in the early 20th century. Science & Society Picture Library/SSPL via Getty Images

Sex toys and vibrators such as the Hitachi magic wand, silicone dildos, magic bullets, and the rabbit vibrator have provided women with opportunities to explore their sexual health and wellness, and have helped them reclaim control over their own bodies. These products are now sold in mainstream stores like Indigo in the wellness section, which helps to shift the negative social stigma surrounding sex toys and promotes a more positive view of female sexuality. Brands like LELO and WeVibe offer a range of products, from personal massagers to couples' sets, and the sex toy industry has become increasingly popular and widespread.

Comments


bottom of page