Photographer’s Note
One of the fascinating features of the medieval temples of Nepal is the erotic carvings. They appear in many places and usually decorate the eves of the roofs. These show a totally different attitude towards sexual behavior from the western traditions. The carvings show various sexual activities, usually involving more than two people. Every imaginable position, is shown, except the missionary position; fortunately the missionaries had not arrive by then. They are a source of fascination for the visitors but are quite difficult to photograph, being high up and sheltered by the overhangs of the roofs.This is just one, from one of the main temples in Patan square; the historic heart of the ancient city of Patan, They date from between the 14th and 16 centuries.The penis of the god Shiva is seen as the source of fertility. These images, therefore, celebrate sexual pleasure which is seen as a sacred and wholesome activity.
riclopes, kiwi_explorer, jhm, papagolf21 has marked this note useful
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Fraipont
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(104) 2008-07-28 7:41
Fallait oser la mettre, celle-là. On verrait pas ça aux chapiteaux de nos cathédrales. C'est donc aussi un témoignage de la différence des cultures et de nos histoires. Cela dit, la photo est très bien composée avec une lumière bien répartie.
TFS
Jean
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Morac
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(20899) 2008-07-28 9:02
Hello Kevin,
This photograph is all the more beautiful as it was difficult to make.
"sexual pleasure which is seen as a sacred and wholesome activity"
Which breath of fresh air compared to the interdicts of the religions Judeo-Christians
Regards
Marc
wolf38
(13087) 2008-07-28 22:19
Hello kevin. Shiva permits everything. This generous representation is very realistic. It is admirable that the artists had the freedom to create such motives. Also in the art of the West naked ones could be illustrated, if it concerns figures out of the Greek mythology. The photo moves on for thinking about the different cultures and their behavior to the Sex. Best regards, Wolfgang.
UnTrained
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(0) 2008-07-29 0:39
Hi Kevin,
well seen and captured. I like these erotic moments moving sexuality away from pornography and making it again natural. Well done with framing and light.
Lieben Gruss, Ulf
riclopes
(33135) 2008-07-29 1:37
"...a sacred and wholesome activity". So very healthy, Kevin... Good and interesting note (loved the missionary thing) and fine picture of this detail. At least this one seems to be quite reachable for observation and photograph.
regards,
ric
kiwi_explorer
(12195) 2008-07-30 1:58
Hi Kevin,
Interesting how some culture are pretty open in there sexual behaviors and others it is considered a taboo. Well captured and presented. Your note is informative and interesting. Good color and image quality. Well done! tfs
Cheers,
Renier
jhm
(83378) 2008-07-31 0:29
Hello Kevin,
The picture is clear and with a very great sharpness.
Old cultures are not different than today, this image show us the reality out of the old time the erotic between the different peoples.
Excellent picture good composition and nice presentation. TFS.
Best regards,
John.
papagolf21
(56765) 2008-08-01 1:32
Bonjour, cher Kevin,
Comme l'écrit si bien notre ami Jean (Fraipont), il fallait oser !
Volupté, désir, sensualité... L'érotisme est un parfait état de ressenti et d'imagination. Les sens sont en ébullition devant un tel tableau sculpté !
Excellente note explicative.
Amitiés.
Philippe
Stepan
(27175) 2008-08-19 11:14
Reminds me Khajuraho... An unexpected item, simply composed but effective and useful for those who want "to learn the world...".
Stéphane
goodwill
(4033) 2008-09-06 11:02
I am not sure, but the it means that in this part of the world the number of women were less then men and hence polygamy.
Whats the position now..................did you enquire about this.
Your notes make the shot more intersting.
Rajeev
Photo Information
-
Copyright: kevin o'sheehan (kevinos)
(6927)
- Genre: Places
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2007-11-08
- Categories: Artwork
- Camera: Canon digital EOS 40D
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Date Submitted: 2008-07-28 7:16
- Favorites: 1 [view]
