In some parts of Brazil near the Amazon, extreme drought occurred resulting in the dramatic drop of the river water level, exposing various submerged rocks with carvings of human forms. And these rocks could be older, surprisingly, more than2000 years.These rocks were not visible until now, as these were under the deep water. Due to this terrible drought, these rocks came to the sight.Archaeologist Jaime Oliveira shows one of the rock engravings at the riverbank site in Praia das Lajes, Brazil that shocked some long-term residents. These rock carvings were not usually visible because they were immersed in the waters of the Negro River, whose flow recorded its lowest level in 121 years recently.
This unexpected drought in the Amazon has severely reduced river levels in the past few weeks, therefore,harmong a region that survives on a maze of waterways for transportation and supplies.
To reduce stress, the government has extended help to the area, where normally vibrant riverbanks are dry, with stranded boats. Experts say, the dry season is responsible in worsening the condition, due to El Nino, an irregular climate pattern fluttering over the Pacific Ocean, damaging normal weather, adding to the effect of climate change. Jamie Oliveira from the Brazilian Institute of Historical Heritage said that the engravings comprise an archaeological site of “great relevance.”
The rock carvings appear against a backdrop of dense jungle, with the low brownish waters of the Negro River flowing nearby. These engravings show human faces, either rectangular or oval, with happy or gruff facial expressions.
“The site expresses emotions, feelings, it is an engraved rock record, but it has something in common with current works of art,” said Oliveira. But it is essential to better the climatic situation and for that, the rivers need to be filled with water sufficiently so that the drought situation could be healed and these rocks carvings could remain submerged again. Though it is important to study those rock carvings more specifically, yet ok reserving climate is more necessary.