Severe Amazon Drought Uncovers Ancient Rock Carvings Estimated to Be 2,000 Years Old

Discovery Includes Unique Human Face Sculpture Amidst Record Low Water Levels in Amazon River

The severe Amazon drought has led to the lowest water levels in over a century, uncovering a variety of ancient stone carvings estimated to be 1,000 to 2,000 years old near the Ponto das Lajes on the north shore of the river.
These carvings, including a unique human face sculpture, were revealed due to the Rio Negro's water level dropping 15 metres since July, which exposed areas of rock and sand that were previously submerged.
The carvings, thought to be prehistoric or precolonial based on evidence of human occupation, also include grooves believed to have been used by indigenous inhabitants for sharpening arrows and spears before Europeans arrived.
Some of the newly discovered carvings have been described as resembling modern emojis, with faces showing a variety of expressions ranging from smiling to scowling.
While the low water levels have revealed these historical artifacts, the severe drought poses a significant threat to the transport and supply systems reliant on the Amazon's waterways, prompting the Brazilian government to send emergency aid to the affected regions.