Stone Faces Discovered Along Amazon River Amid Record Drought
Unique Stone Carvings Unearthed in Brazil
Archaeologists in Brazil have made a remarkable discovery along the Amazon River. As water levels dropped to record lows during the region’s worst drought in over a century, human faces sculpted into stone, dating back up to 2,000 years, have emerged on a rocky outcropping. This find has provided researchers with an exciting opportunity to delve into the origins of these ancient engravings.
Insights into Indigenous Inhabitants
Jamie de Santana Oliveira, an archaeologist involved in the project, explained that while some rock carvings had been previously spotted, the recent drought has revealed a greater variety of carvings, shedding light on the lives of Indigenous inhabitants who once occupied the area. The smooth grooves found on one rock surface are believed to be where these ancient people sharpened their arrows and spears, long before the arrival of Europeans.
Ancient Origins
According to Oliveira, the engravings are estimated to be around 1,000 to 2,000 years old, based on evidence of human occupation in the region. The rocky point, known as Ponto das Lajes, is situated on the north shore of the Amazon, near the convergence of the Rio Negro and Solimoes rivers.
A New Discovery Amid Severe Drought
Although the carvings were initially seen at Ponto das Lajes in 2010, this year’s drought has been particularly severe. The Rio Negro water level has dropped a staggering 15 meters (49.2 feet) since July, exposing vast areas of rocks and sand that were previously submerged. Oliveira expressed his excitement over the recent find, mentioning the discovery of a human face sculpture cut into the rock.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Oliveira, who works for the National Historic and Artistic Heritage Institute (IPHAN), emphasized the importance of preserving these prehistoric engravings. By studying and understanding these artworks, researchers can gain valuable insights into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the Amazon region.
In conclusion, the recent uncovering of stone faces and other engravings along the Amazon River has provided a unique opportunity for archaeologists to explore the history and culture of the Indigenous inhabitants who lived there centuries ago. As the drought continues to expose more of these ancient carvings, researchers are hopeful that further discoveries will shed light on the rich heritage of the Amazon region.
