The drought that is hitting the Amazon has brought to light a set of ancient engravings in the rocks of the Negro River, hidden underwater until now. Human faces, animals and other figures can be seen at the site, and the range of dates that experts consider is wide: between 1,000 and 2,000 years old.
The discovery was already known by the community of archaeologists in the area, when another severe drought affected the Amazon in 2010, but the engravings had not been observed since then. The archaeological site, called Ponto das Lajes, is located in the rural area of Manaus, the largest city and capital of the state.
Scientists also believe that other rocks at the site were used to sharpen arrows and stone tools. This type of discovery is known as a petroglyph, cave traces in the rocks that give evidence of ancient human activity.
Although the exact use of these engravings is unknown, the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage of Brazil believes that they were used to establish communications between the groups that inhabited the place.
