Natural caves come into existance by the action of water or tectonic displacement. Both natural and artificial caves have served humankind in various capacities since time immemorial.
Caves are ambiguous spaces, offering both protection and shelter but can also trap and imprison.
Because of its location within the earth, which many cultures have identified as female, the cave has been identified as the womb of Mother Earth, and associated with birth and regeneration. In various cultures, caves have been location for the celebration of diverse cults and mysteries, and this was most likely the case at Lascaux . Natural caves have long been a focus of veneration and appear frequently in both mythological and religious stories. When excavated in this century, both caves were filled with votive offerings. Rites associated with the Phrygian Mother Goddess Cybele took place in caves.