Since the earliest times, humans have created erotic objects. What we now consider modern often has its origins in antiquity. From artworks to practical items, these objects reveal how prehistoric people dealt with intimacy, symbolism, and desire. Here are the 10 oldest erotic artifacts ever found.
1. The Venus of Willendorf (Austria)
This small, voluptuous figurine was carved from limestone 25,000 years ago. The Venus of Willendorf features pronounced feminine curves and is often seen as a symbol of fertility and sensuality. Clearly, prehistoric people already had a fascination with the female form.
2. The Venus of Hohle Fels (Germany)
Even older than the Venus of Willendorf is the Venus of Hohle Fels, an ivory figurine over 35,000 years old. Found in a cave in southern Germany, this sculpture shows a highly stylized female figure. It is the oldest known object explicitly depicting the female body and was likely used as a fertility symbol.
3. Neolithic phalluses (Europe)
Neolithic stone phalluses have been found in various parts of Europe, dating back some 10,000 years. These objects are often simple and robust in shape and likely symbolize fertility and virility. Their exact purpose remains a mystery, but they were probably used in rituals or as talismans.
4. Erotic cave engravings of Lascaux (France)
In addition to the famous animal paintings in the Lascaux caves, lesser-known engravings have been discovered that clearly depict human figures in intimate positions. These images, over 17,000 years old, show that sexual themes played a role in prehistoric art, although they were often hidden from public view.
5. Vénus Impudique (France)
The “Vénus Impudique” – translated as the “Immodest Venus” – is a small ivory figurine made around 15,000 years ago. Discovered in the Laugerie-Basse cave in France, this piece stands out due to its explicit representation of the female body, with emphasis on the hips and genitals. While most Venus figurines from this era display a reserved posture, the Vénus Impudique offers a direct and unapologetic expression of female sexuality. It was likely a symbol of fertility but also of eroticism, offering a fascinating glimpse into how prehistoric communities celebrated the power and beauty of the female form.
6. Erotic murals of Pompeii (Italy)
Excavations in Pompeii have revealed many erotic artifacts and murals, including figurines depicting couples in various positions. The citizens of Pompeii openly celebrated their sensuality and viewed eroticism as a normal part of daily life. Many of these figurines are over 2,000 years old and offer insight into Roman views on love and pleasure.
7. The Egyptian erotic papyri (Egypt)
Some of the oldest erotic papyri, over 3,000 years old, originate from ancient Egypt. These papyri feature explicit illustrations and were likely a form of erotic art or literature. They offer a rare glimpse into the sexual culture of ancient Egypt, where eroticism was sometimes openly celebrated.
8. Greek kylix with erotic scenes (Greece)
A kylix is a drinking cup, and in ancient Greece, these cups were often decorated with erotic scenes. These vessels, about 2,500 years old, frequently depicted mythological tales or intimate moments. Greeks used these cups during parties and symposia, where eroticism and love played a significant role.
9. Khajuraho temple sculptures (India)
In the Khajuraho temples of India, built in the 10th century, detailed erotic sculptures depict couples in explicit positions. While this monument isn’t as old as some of the other items on this list, the way it blends eroticism and spirituality is especially fascinating.
10. The “Dildo” of Hohle Fels (Germany)
The oldest known dildo dates back 28,000yrs and was found in Hohle Fels Cave #tbt #ThrowbackThursday #dildos #Vamp pic.twitter.com/5bPymianXI
— Vamp Silicone (@VampSilicone) June 30, 2016
In the prehistoric Hohle Fels cave in Germany, an object was found that is possibly one of the oldest known erotic artifacts. Measuring 20 centimeters long and made from polished siltstone, this item is about 28,000 years old.
Although its exact function cannot be confirmed with certainty, its shape and finish suggest it may have served as an erotic tool. This object proves that human interest in sensuality and sexuality was already present in early history, with such artifacts likely having both symbolic and practical uses.
