Background to African Erotic Thought and Art

Abstract

The art of primitive races constitutes a field of lingering the limits of which are exceedingly difficult to trace with any accuracy. Consequently, Art works, especially from the continent of Africa has received varying and sometimes conflicting interpretations from anthropologists and art historians who have looked at these works of Art with taints of other cultural perspective.  This paper seeks to look into the mind and background of the creators of some of the significant erotic works of Art in Africa and the philosophical presence of a subconscious feminine embodiment, so – called assembled maternal archetype typical of most African ethnic groups. It also distinguishes between what is sexual, erotic and pornographic and also deals with the importance of Erogenous Zone - by hiding, pointing and by exaggeration and Arts of the body, allurement, aesthetics and eroticism to help readers deepen their appreciation in traditional African Art and culture.