In 2023, a historic drought caused the Rio Negro to reach extremely low levels in Manaus. As the water disappeared, something extraordinary reappeared: mysterious human faces carved into rocks that normally remain submerged.

The engravings, popularly known as "caretas" (masks), are estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,000 years old. But who carved them? What did they mean? And why were they in that particular place?

In this documentary, we investigate the archaeological site of Ponta das Lajes, located in Manaus, Amazonas, and the vestiges of ancient populations that inhabited that region.

In addition to the mysterious faces, researchers identified marks of polishing and the production of stone tools. This evidence suggests that the site functioned as an ancient workshop, possibly also used to transmit knowledge between generations.

You will learn about the history of these Amazonian engravings, the archaeological research on their origin, and the relationship between extreme droughts and the reappearance of this historical heritage.

We also investigated why the record droughts of 2023 and 2024 sparked concern and how the exposure of the rocks put the engravings at risk.

The Amazon holds vestiges of a much older and more complex history than we imagine.

Subscribe to follow documentaries about the mysteries of the Amazon, archaeological discoveries, ancient civilizations, and forgotten stories of Brazil.

Who do you believe carved these faces? And what could their purpose have been?

Leave your opinion in the comments!

#Amazon #RioNegro #Archaeology #Mysteries #Documentary