The object may have been used for sexual purposes or as a lucky charm.

It was first listed as a tool used for sewing, but may have had an entirely different use. The 16-centimeter-long wooden object, discovered in 1992 at Vindolanda, a Roman fort in Northumberland, in the north of England, was recently re-examined by archaeologists from the Universities of Newcastle and Dublin. Conclusion: He says it may be the oldest sex toy ever discovered Guardian.

“I have to admit, part of me thinks it’s a penis,” said Rob Collins, a lecturer in archeology at Newcastle University.

The expert also declared that at the time of its discovery in 1992, he “didn’t know” who registered the object as a tool used in sewing. “Maybe it’s someone who’s uncomfortable,” he added, “or who doesn’t think Romanians do these things.”

Sex object, insect or lucky charm?

The researchers eventually came up with three theories about the usefulness of this material, which was found in a ditch along with several pairs of shoes. It may have originally been a sex toy, used for pleasure or as an object of torture.

“Sex toys aren’t always used for fun, they can be instruments of torture,” Collins explained, adding “belief” to the first scenario.

If so, he said, “it’s the first sex toy discovered by archaeologists.” Nevertheless, the researcher considered it “somewhat surprising” that the earliest sex material was found in the north of the Roman Empire and not in Italy.

Exhibited in the museum

According to a second theory, the wood material may have been used as a pestle, for culinary purposes, or for grinding cosmetic or medicinal products.

According to the latter possibility, he would have been part of a statue by passers-by to bring them good luck or ward off evil. Less likely theory due to the conditions in which the wood material was placed.

The latter is on display at the Vindolanta Museum. The researchers hope that its discovery will lead to searches for similar objects in other collections.