A peculiar device known as the vanvera was utilized by 17th-century aristocrats to discreetly manage an embarrassing but universal issue: flatulence. This leather pouch, designed to be worn against the body, served to muffle both sound and smell during social gatherings, particularly dinners where etiquette was paramount.
The Design and Functionality of the Vanvera
The vanvera, which may seem like an oddity today, was more than just a novelty. A notable example is currently displayed at the Sex Machines Museum in Prague. This small pouch was ingeniously crafted to trap bodily sounds and odors, allowing the wearer to relieve themselves without drawing attention. Once the moment had passed, the pouch could be emptied discreetly.
Most associated with upper-class women, the vanvera was particularly suited to the layered dresses of the time, making it easier to conceal. While it is suggested that its origins might trace back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt or Rome, historians agree that the vanvera was predominantly used in Europe during the 1600s, especially in Italy, where social norms around decorum were strictly enforced.
Variations and Experimentations
The vanvera came in various forms, with the simplest being a leather sack worn beneath skirts. Wealthier families developed more elaborate solutions, including piping systems that directed gas from the bed out through windows, ensuring a more comfortable sleep without the worry of social embarrassment.
Some creators attempted to enhance the vanvera’s functionality by designing a metal version that included dried herbs like lavender and rosemary. The intention was for gas to pass through these herbs, emerging with a pleasant scent. Unfortunately, this design failed to mask the sound, undermining its purpose entirely.
The existence of the vanvera highlights a persistent human concern: the embarrassment associated with bodily functions. Throughout history, people have sought creative ways to address these concerns, demonstrating that while technology may evolve, the desire for dignity remains constant.
Though the vanvera never became a standardized accessory and eventually faded from use as fashion trends changed and plumbing technology improved, it stands as a testament to the lengths to which individuals would go to maintain their social standing. Before the advent of modern solutions like scented candles and subtle excuses, the aristocracy engineered their own devices to protect their dignity in public settings.
