Ancient Rock Engravings Emerge Amidst Brazil's Severe Droughts

Amid the worst drought Brazil has weathered for over a century, an unexpected archaeological treasure has emerged. Dozens of ancient rock carvings, thought to be up to 2000 years old, have been exposed on the banks of the Amazon River. According to Beatriz Carneiro from Brazil’s Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan), these ancient pieces from the site named Praia das Lajes were previously documented in 2010; yet, with the progressing severity of the drought, more engravings have been unveiled.

These carvings stand as invaluable heritage to understanding the first inhabitants of the region, sculpturing a narrative less travelled. Most engravings depict human faces, varying in shape and expression. Stone notches, believed to be the ancient inhabitants' sharpening grounds for spears and arrows, are also visible.

Jaime Oliveira, an Iphan archaeologist expressed, "Archaeology allows us to understand the way of life of pre-colonial populations and this site provides important data." He posits that this find illuminates that historical inhabitants also encountered severe droughts, drawing parallels to the current climatic crisis.

The re-emergence of these engravings has evoked a sense of awe and concern among locals. Manaus resident, Lívia Oliveira voiced her anxiety towards the plummeting water levels, foreseeing a bleak future for the health of the Amazon River.

Along with the potential devastation to this archaeological site, the drought has affected a region heavily dependent on waterways for transportation and supplies. The Brazilian government has deployed emergency aid to the area in an effort to stabilize the situation, as it's estimated that this environmental crisis could impact up to half a million Amazon residents by year's end.