Ark of Love: face to face with a raised pelvis and lifted legs
The Ark of Love is a demanding face-to-face position. She leans back on straight arms, hands on the floor behind her, and lifts her pelvis, resting her legs together and raised against her partner's chest and shoulder. He kneels on one knee in front of her, with the other foot planted, and holds her legs and hips. It allows deep vaginal penetration with eye contact, but it asks for strength in the wrists and lower back and good balance from both partners.
Also known as: Casket · Love Ark
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner sits facing her partner and leans back onto her hands, arms straight and hands flat on the floor behind her. She lifts her pelvis off the floor and raises her legs, kept together and almost straight, so that they rest against his chest and one shoulder. The penetrating partner kneels upright on one knee with the other foot planted in front, holding her legs and hips to support part of her weight. Her pelvis stays raised between his thighs, which tilts it and allows deep penetration. Both can move: he with his hips, she by pushing slightly with her arms. They can look at each other, but they are too far apart to kiss.
Why this position works
Some couples enjoy it for the combination of eye contact and a raised, tilted pelvis: with her legs together and lifted, penetration can feel deep and snug. It is also a position of trust, as he holds part of her weight while both share the rhythm. It works best as a short, intense moment rather than a position to stay in for long. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: on the forearms
She lowers onto her elbows and forearms instead of leaning on straight arms.
Resting on the forearms brings her back closer to the floor and lowers her pelvis slightly, so her wrists and arms carry far less load. Her legs still rest together against his chest and shoulder; he may need to lower his hips a little to keep the angle.
- She sits facing him and leans back until her elbows and forearms rest on the bed or floor.
- She lifts her pelvis a little and raises her legs, together, against his chest and shoulder.
- He kneels on one knee with the other foot planted and holds her hips, lowering his own hips to match her height.
- Move slowly and keep the strokes short, as the position is still deep.
Variation 2: with a cushion under the pelvis
A firm cushion under her pelvis holds it up, so she does not have to.
With the pelvis resting on a firm cushion or wedge, she no longer has to hold it up with her arms and lower back: she can lean back on her hands or forearms just for balance. The angle stays similar and the position becomes much less tiring and more stable.
- Place a firm cushion or a wedge where her pelvis will be.
- She sits on it facing him, leans back on her hands or forearms and raises her legs, together, against his chest and shoulder.
- He kneels on one knee with the other foot planted and adjusts his height to the cushion.
- Check that the cushion does not slide before you start moving.
Variation 3: one leg on each shoulder
She opens her legs and rests one on each of his shoulders.
With the legs apart, penetration is usually less snug and a little less deep than with the legs together, and he can come closer to her. Each leg rests on one shoulder, which spreads her weight more evenly and frees one of his hands, for example to stimulate her clitoris.
- Start in the base position, with her leaning back on her hands and her pelvis raised.
- She opens her legs and places one on each of his shoulders.
- He holds her hips, or one hip and one thigh, and moves a little closer.
- Go slowly: open legs change the angle, so adjust together until it feels comfortable.
✓ Tips
- Do it on a firm, non-slip surface, such as a firm mattress or a rug on the floor, and stop if either of you feels unsteady.
- He should hold her hips and legs securely so her arms do not carry all her weight.
- With her legs together and raised, penetration can be very deep: start slowly and let her say when to go further.
- If her arms tire and her pelvis drops suddenly, the penis can bend: slow down when she is tired and change position before she slips.
- Keep it short if her wrists or lower back start to ache; resting on the forearms or a cushion under the pelvis takes off load.
- Use lubricant if needed, and a condom to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Face-to-face vaginal penetration, with the pelvis raised and the legs resting on the partner's chest
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal penetration face to face, with the pelvis raised and the legs lifted
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is this position suitable for beginners?
Not really. It asks for strength in the wrists, arms and lower back from the receiving partner and good balance from both. If you want to try it, start with a cushion under her pelvis or with her resting on her forearms.
Why can penetration feel so deep?
With the pelvis raised and the legs together and lifted, the pelvis tilts and penetration can reach deeper. Some people enjoy that and others find it uncomfortable. Go slowly, and if it is too much, she can open her legs and rest one on each of his shoulders.
How can we make it less tiring?
Place a firm cushion under her pelvis so she does not have to hold it up, or let her lower onto her forearms. Short sessions and switching to a calmer position help too. Stop if there is pain in the wrists or lower back.
Safety and evidence
This section summarizes anatomical and clinical evidence relevant to this position. The sources provide context; they do not show that a specific position guarantees pleasure, orgasm or a particular type of stimulation.
G-spot: what the evidence says
The “G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not demonstrated a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary from person to person.
A-spot / AFE zone: limited evidence
The “A-spot” or AFE zone has been proposed as a term for a deep area of the anterior vaginal wall. The available evidence is limited and does not support treating it as a confirmed anatomical structure.
Anatomical variability
Vaginal shape, axis and dimensions vary considerably from person to person. As a result, depth and comfort may differ even when using the same position.
Pain and deep penetration
If penetration causes deep, recurrent or persistent pain, it is advisable to reduce the depth or stop the activity. If the problem continues, a professional assessment is recommended.
Lubrication and comfort
When there is dryness, friction or discomfort, a suitable lubricant may make sexual activity easier and improve comfort. Its use is not universally necessary.
Penile fracture: prevention and warning signs
It is uncommon, but it can happen when the erect penis bends suddenly, often after slipping out and hitting the partner’s pubic bone or perineum. Moving with control and slowing down if the penis slips out helps prevent it.
STI protection: condoms and dental dams
A condom, put on from the start and used throughout, is the most effective way to reduce sexually transmitted infections during penetration. For oral sex, a condom or a dental dam lowers the risk.
Reviewed by Francisco Muñoz, editor ·
Related sex positions
Hummingbird
A face-to-face position on an exercise ball: she reclines on her back over the ball with one leg raised over his…
The Bridge of Sighs II
She lies down with her legs raised, supported on his shoulders. He kneels in front of her, penetrating at an angle…
The Whisper of the Lips
Face to face on an armchair: she sits back at the edge of the seat with her legs open, and he kneels on the floor…
The Cobra (Embracing Hug)
A close version of missionary: the receiving partner lies on her back and wraps her legs around the lower back and…
The Missionary
One person lies on their back with legs slightly apart and knees bent; their partner positions themselves on top,…
The Catapult
The receiving partner lies on their back with the buttocks at the edge of the bed and raises both legs, straight and…
Deep Longing
Both partners lie on their sides facing each other, chest to chest, in a close embrace with their legs intertwined,…
The Dance of Pleasure II
In The Dance of Pleasure, both bodies intertwine in a lateral embrace, with the penis gently stimulating. The couple…
The Lightning Bolt
A gentle face-to-face position: she lies on her back and he lies diagonally across her, turned half onto his side and…
Classic Harp
She lies on her back with her shoulders on the sofa seat and her pelvis on his thighs; he kneels upright and holds…
The Half Moon Encounter
Side-lying, face to face and embracing: her legs are straight and together, his upper leg is hooked over them like a…
The Conqueror
Adapted ergonomic position with G-spot stimulation.