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-These fragments come from 
the Monte Alegre region,

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in the heart of the Amazon,

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where this art form was born.

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♪♪

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Reaching the area requires 
a 400-mile journey

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upriver from 
the mouth of the Amazon,

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and then a connection 
with one of the river buses

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that travel 
to isolated villages.

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Archaeologist Edithe Pereira 
has been making the trip

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regularly 
for more than 10 years.

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And each time, it's a journey 
back to Amazonian prehistory.

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♪♪

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The very first traces 
of human settlement

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can be found here.

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Drawings on the rock face 
that date back to 12,000 BCE.

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♪♪

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But these decorations, 
that have lasted millennia,

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are now in danger.

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-[ Speaking native language ]

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[ Speaking native language ]

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-The biggest problem here today 
is wasps.

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[ Wasps buzzing ]

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A type of wasp makes its nest 
very close to the paintings.

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-[ Speaking native language ]

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-And sometimes 
on top of the paintings.

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-It's a very real risk 
for the paintings...

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and for the scientists.

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Several stings from these 
large insects can be fatal.

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[ Buzzing continues ]

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No loud talking 
or sudden movements.

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♪♪

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These are the only paintings 
in the area

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that have been successfully 
dated,

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and they are much older 
than was previously thought.