Peter, cup & ring rock art isn't just confined to the British Isles, apparently it can be found in the Balearics, Portugal (believed to the original area I think), Spain, France, Switzerland, SW Scandinavia, Switzerland , Italy, Malta & the Canary Isles.

I think most would agree with you about rock-art being something other than just art, although art shouldn't be totally discounted.

Is it time to get me Morris's out again:

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Cresswell has recognisable animal images - bit earlier than most of our rock art though.

sam

The "but is it art" debate is one that has been around since the first use of the term and still isn't resolved , those who use it don't neccessarily
believe it is art . There are some certain , if rare cases of figurative RA usually feet and axes . There are also some carvings of deer but they have never been accepted as contemporary with the usual RA.