Final answer:
Ancient rock paintings, which are significant examples of prehistoric art, have been primarily found in Spain and France. The Lascaux caves in France and the Altamira caves in Spain contain some of the most remarkable Paleolithic artworks. These discoveries highlight the advanced cognitive abilities of early hominins, including Neanderthals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ancient rock paintings have been found in Spain and France, among several other places globally. Notable examples in France include the Lascaux caves with paintings dating back to around 15,000 BCE. In Spain, the Cave of Altamira showcases some of the most distinctive Paleolithic art, with impressive images of animals dating back roughly 36,000 years ago. These ancient artworks use a combination of charcoal and ochre to depict animals with striking detail.
The findings in these caves, such as by Alistair Pike, point towards the sophisticated cognitive abilities of not only Homo sapiens but also Neanderthals. This is evidenced by the discovery of paintings in Spain, dated at about 65,000 years ago, which predates the arrival of H. sapiens into the region. Such discoveries continuously reshape our understanding of prehistoric art and the cognitive capabilities of our ancestors.