Nineteen fossils, including a lower jawbone with teeth and a set of molars of a primitive Stegolophodon elephant estimated to be around eight million years old, were handed over to the Department of Archaeology and National Museum (Yangon Branch) on 18 May.

The handed-over palaeobiological fossils include a lower jawbone with teeth and a set of molars of a primitive Stegolophodon elephant, a lower jawbone with teeth and fragments of lower molars of a primitive rhinoceros, a lower jaw fragment of a hippopotamus-like animal, ankle and knuckle bones of a primitive bovid species, and a lower jawbone with teeth of a primitive giraffe, as well as fragments of elephant molars and bone remains of other mammals.

Antiquities and fossils are part of the nation’s cultural heritage; therefore, transporting them abroad without permission, excavating, trading, replicating, or using them for commercial purposes is prohibited under the Protection and Preservation of Antique Objects Law. Individuals who wish to preserve antiquities personally may apply for an antique object preservation certificate from the Department of Archaeology and the National Museum.

Those who receive such a preservation permit may retain it for life in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations, but they must apply for renewal before the certificate expires.

ASH/TH

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