The use and perception of sex dolls have evolved dramatically through the ages, influenced by changes in culture, technology, and social attitudes toward sex and intimacy. In ancient civilizations, dolls and figurines were commonly used in fertility rituals and spiritual practices, often representing the goddess or feminine energy. These early sexualized dolls were regarded as sacred objects, symbolic of creation and the life cycle, rather than objects for personal pleasure. In these societies, their use was embedded in religious or cultural rites.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, sex dolls began to take on a more personal, utilitarian role. Sailors, isolated on long voyages, were believed to use rudimentary dolls made of cloth, leather, or even wood as a substitute for human companionship. These early dolls were simple in design and served a practical function, offering a semblance of intimacy in the absence of human partners. Their use, however, was often regarded with shame, as sex outside of marriage or long-distance relationships was seen as taboo.
In the 20th century, as cultural attitudes toward sex evolved with the rise of the sexual revolution, so did perceptions of sex dolls. Advances in materials such as rubber and silicone allowed for the creation of more lifelike dolls, and as societal norms became more permissive, these dolls moved from being seen as taboo to being viewed as an alternative or complement to traditional relationships. Today, with the advent of artificial intelligence and robotics, sex dolls have become high-tech companions that fulfill emotional, psychological, and sexual needs, reflecting the growing normalization of non-traditional relationships and the evolution of human sexuality.