A severe drought in the northern Amazon region of Brazil has exposed ancient rock carvings of human faces along the banks of the river. The carvings, which are estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,000 years old, were previously hidden by the high water levels of the Rio Negro, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon.
The carvings are believed to be made by the indigenous people who inhabited the area before the arrival of Europeans. Some of the rocks have grooves that suggest they were used to sharpen tools or weapons. The carvings depict various facial expressions and hairstyles, and some have animal horns or ears.
The discovery was made by local residents and archaeologists who visited the site near the city of Manaus. They took photos and videos of the carvings, which show their intricate details and artistic skills. The site is considered a cultural heritage and is protected by law.
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The drought that revealed the carvings is also a sign of the climate crisis that is affecting the Amazon region. The Brazilian government has declared a climate emergency and is preparing emergency assistance for the affected areas. The water level of the Rio Negro dropped below 13 meters for the first time ever on Sunday, and further to 12.89 meters on Tuesday. This is much lower than the average level of 29 meters for this time of the year.
The low water level has also affected the wildlife, vegetation, and navigation of the river. Many fish have died or migrated to deeper waters, leaving behind a foul smell. The vegetation has dried up and become more vulnerable to fires. The boats that transport people and goods have been stranded or damaged by rocks and sandbanks.
The drought is attributed to a combination of factors, such as climate change, deforestation, and the El Niño weather phenomenon, which have reduced the rainfall and river levels in the northern Amazon to near-record lows. The situation is expected to worsen in the coming months, as the dry season lasts until November.
The ancient rock carvings are a reminder of the rich history and diversity of the Amazon region, but also a warning of the threats it faces from human activities and natural disasters. They are a testimony of how humans have interacted with nature for thousands of years, and how they need to preserve it for future generations.