Talk:Grotto

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[edit] Definition of Grotto

Judging from the content of this article, the use by humans seems to be an important element of a Grotto. I've taken the liberty of clarifying the definition of Grotto that this article seems to be about, by creating a new opening sentence. Otherwise I felt that there was a conflict between the original Grotto definition and that of Sea Cave as described under Cave. Ian mckenzie 03:22, 30 November 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Historical Accident?

The article says that grottos are by "historical accident" related to the word "grotesque," yet goes on to say that the word "grotesque" is purposefully and directly derived from the word "grotto." This is no more accidental than any other etymology. I am removing the accident bit. Bleedingcherub 05:13, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

The "historical accident" was the discovery of Nero's Domus Aurea by a shepherd who fell through a ceiling. The palace appeared to be underground, in a grotta or cave, thus its style of frescoed decor became known as grotteschi or "grotesques". I trust that Bleedingcherub will make sure that the amended article explains this "historical accident" more clearly. --Wetman 06:35, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Playboy Mansion

Wondering if some mention should be made of the grotto at the Playboy Mansion, as it is probably the most discussed grotto in the United States. A Google search of "grotto +playboy" yields over 90,000 results alone. SteveCoppock (talk) 18:13, 20 April 2008 (UTC)

"probably the most discussed grotto in the United States!" Imagine! --Wetman (talk) 20:11, 20 April 2008 (UTC)


[edit] Icons section

It seems to me that the implication that religious interest in grottoes stems from their "perceived danger" is implying that religious impulses are born out of fear of the unknown. That's a large, very subjective claim. I think our highly religious ancestors deserve at least as much credit for their complexity, curiosity, and courage as for the more negative traits we may associate with religion for personal/political reasons...and that there's a considerable amount of ethnocentrism passing as scholarship on this issue. The folks who invented religion weren't stupid, and they dealt with more than most of us could handle on a daily basis. How many people do you know who aren't scared to drive a herd of angry mammoths over a cliff, but are afraid of the dark?--Feralnostalgia (talk) 11:34, 14 February 2009 (UTC)

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