Decorated Palaeolithic sites are generally called "sanctuaries" as they are viewed as sacred spaces, distinct from those that served as backdrops to daily activities. However, the variety of archaeological contexts suggests that these sites cannot all be reduced to this single function. In rock shelters, works open to the light of day were visible to all, and played a different role for groups – but not necessarily excluding the concept of "sacred" that we associate with "sanctuaries".