What symbols represent human sexuality reproduction and fertility

Question 1

REPRESENTING SEx- Symbolic shapes and traditional symbols in art that represent female sexuality include the downward triangle representing the pubic triangle, the mandorla representing virginity, and the shell representing the symbol of the vulva. Traditional symbols that represent the male sexuality include the maypole, obelisk, sword and other phallic shaped objects to represent virility and fertility. What other symbols represent human sexuality, reproduction, and fertility?

Question 2

REPRESENTATIONS OF WOMEN- How are women depicted in popular culture today? The expression “sex sells” can readily be validated by looking in virtually any magazine, those geared for either men or women. What are the different roles for women in popular media? Use a specific example to support your idea. if possible upload a low res image. Conversely, how are men represented in popular culture? Is it more positive then women? Why

Question 3

SAME SEX- This chapter only addresses couples of the opposite sex. Little mention is made of same sex couples depicted in artwork or artwork by homosexual artists, such as the works by Robert Mapplethorpe and Felix Gonzales-Torres. Why do you think this is? Should it be included? Why or why not?

Question 4

Fertility Goddess The Venus of Willendorf , the Idol from Amorgos , God Te Rongo and His Three Sons , and the Ashante Akua’ba Dolls are all fertility gods/goddesses/figures. What are their similarities? What are their differences?

Question 5

Art or Pornography? Some of the images in the text are rather graphic images of couples having intercourse. Moche Pottery Depicting Sexual Intercourse is a Moche ceramic vessel from c. 1000-1250 depicting a couple having intercourse that could have been for sex education. Kitagawa Utamaro illustrated a Pair of Lovers for the Pillow Book in Japan in 1788. Two examples from India include a relief sculpture from the Kandarya Mahadeva Temple of a group and sole individuals engaged in sexual activity from c. 1000 and a miniature painting Krishna and Radha in a Pavilion of a woman and man (Krishna the incarnation of Vishnu) involved in intercourse from 1760. All of these examples depict people having sex, but all are considered art. When are graphic images of sex considered art, when are they considered biological illustration and education, and when are they considered pornography? Can pornography be considered art? To what extent?