Final answer:
The oldest surviving paintings were made on clay vessels. Clay pots served both functional purposes and provided valuable insights for archaeologists. They were abundant and easily accessible by ancient cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oldest surviving paintings were made on clay vessels. Clay was a natural material that was abundant and located along waterways, making it a convenient and accessible resource for ancient cultures. These clay pots not only served functional purposes like cooking and storage but also provided valuable insights for archaeologists in understanding the daily lives of ancient civilizations.