The growing importance of agriculture and the increase in trade during the Neolithic period led to changes in religious beliefs, in particular, the development of fertility rites. The goddess of Gavà, found in the mines at Can Tintorer, is a pottery idol representing a woman with an ear of wheat resting on her belly. The association between women, fertility and wheat is a defining characteristic of the new Neolithic cults. Evidence has been found of mother and fertility goddesses dating from the Neolithic period in various parts of Europe and the Mediterranean region.