Who Invented Sex Dolls? A Journey Through History

Who Invented Sex Dolls?

Have you ever wondered how sex dolls came to be? It’s certainly a tale social historians will unpack in years to come. What started as rudimentary leather puppets evolved into life-like robots over the course of just a few centuries, and the technology behind them shows no sign of slowing down. With more and more realistic dolls being released, the story of sex dolls is both fascinating and complex.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the origins and evolution of sex dolls.

The Beginnings: Leather Puppets of the 17th Century

One of the earliest recorded instances of sex dolls dates back to the 17th century. Dutch sailors, lonely on long voyages, reportedly crafted hand-sewn leather puppets for companionship. These early sex dolls, known as “dama de viaje” or “travel ladies,” were later traded with Japanese sailors. Though primitive, these leather creations marked the beginning of the sex doll’s journey.

The 1930s: The Influence of Hans Bellmer

Fast forward a few centuries to the 1930s, and we find a pivotal figure in the development of modern sex dolls: German surrealist artist Hans Bellmer. Bellmer’s “uncanny, eroticized models” differed from functional sex dolls only in that they lacked the necessary orifices for penetration. His work was more artistic than practical, but it laid the groundwork for the evolution of sex dolls. Bellmer’s creations were a significant step towards the lifelike models we see today.

Post-World War II: The Inflatable Sex Doll

The invention of the inflatable sex doll came at the end of World War II. Urban legends suggest that Adolf Hitler may have ordered the creation of sex dolls to prevent sexually transmitted diseases among Nazi troops and to discourage fraternization with non-Aryan women. However, there is no substantial evidence to support these claims. What is clear is that the inflatable sex doll became a reality during this period, adding functionality to the earlier, more static models.

The 1960s: Commercialization in the United States

In the United States, sex dolls began to enter the mainstream in the 1960s. They were first advertised in pornographic magazines around 1968, when it became legal to sell sexual devices through the mail. This era marked the beginning of sex dolls’ commercial availability, making them accessible to a broader audience.

The Modern Era: Realism and Technology

As time has progressed, sex dolls have become increasingly lifelike. New silicone materials have paved the way for dolls that closely resemble human skin, and technological advancements have brought us to the age of talking sex robots. These robots offer not only physical companionship but also artificial emotional intimacy, making them the “full package.”

Leading Manufacturers

Several companies have become leaders in the sex doll industry:

• Abyss Creations, founded in 1997, produces the well-known RealDoll. They also make transgender dolls and silicone breasts for trans women.
• Sinthetics, which launched in 2010, offers highly detailed and realistic dolls.
• Gynoid creates dolls that can smile, chat, blink, and even get goosebumps.

These companies are just a few examples of the many manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what sex dolls can be.

Who Buys Sex Dolls?

The market for sex dolls is diverse. In an interview with The Independent, Matt Krivicke of Sinthetics noted that buyers range from individuals fascinated by the human body to couples exploring new sexual dynamics. Gynoid’s website highlights that their customers include lonely middle-aged men, handicapped and disabled individuals, and couples looking to add another dimension to their love life without the emotional complications of a human partner. Additionally, there have been reports of people forming emotional attachments to their dolls, and some experts suggest that sex dolls could be used to provide companionship for the lonely and elderly in the future.

Conclusion

The history of sex dolls is a rich and varied one, reflecting changes in society, technology, and human relationships. From 17th-century leather puppets to 21st-century talking robots, sex dolls have come a long way. As technology continues to advance, it will be fascinating to see how these creations evolve and what new dimensions they will bring to human companionship.