MANAUS (AP) — The Negro River, a major tributary of the Brazilian Amazon, has reached historic lows, unveiling ancient carvings that were submerged underwater for centuries.
Deeply carved into the black rock along the riverbanks, these engravings depict human faces, animals, and various other figures. Archaeologists believe that these carvings date back 1,000 to 2,000 years, shedding light on the lifestyle of prehistoric populations,” said Jaime de Santana Oliveira, an archaeologist with Brazil’s National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute.
Additionally, the archaeologists have discovered other rocks at the Ponto das Lajes archaeological site, which were likely utilized as tools for sharpening arrows and stone implements.
Located in the rural area of Manaus, the largest city and capital of the Amazonas state, the archaeological site offers visitors a glimpse of the breathtaking “Meeting of Waters.” This phenomenon occurs when the dark, Coca-Cola-colored Negro River and the pale, clay-colored Solimoes River converge without blending, flowing parallel to each other for several miles.
The engravings were first spotted in 2010 during a previous severe drought, but remained hidden until now due to the current low water levels caused by the ongoing drought.
Low river levels in Amazonas have transformed previously navigable rivers into endless sand banks and mud, leaving hundreds of communities isolated. In recent weeks, public authorities have been working tirelessly to provide food and water to these communities.
The Associated Press recently witnessed the delivery of essential goods, which posed challenges as boats had to dock miles away. As a result, residents, including small farmers and fishermen, had to embark on long walks to receive the supplies they desperately needed.
Furthermore, Manaus and nearby cities are grappling with high temperatures and heavy smoke resulting from fires intentionally set for deforestation and clearing land for pasture. This drought is also believed to be the cause of dozens of river dolphin deaths in Tefe Lake, near the Amazon River.
Dry spells are a natural part of the Amazon’s cyclical weather pattern, typically occurring from May to October. However, this year’s drought has been particularly severe due to two climate phenomena: the warming of northern tropical Atlantic Ocean waters and El Niño, which is the warming of surface waters in the Equatorial Pacific region.
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