Cash rewards totalling more than K104.9 million and certificates of recognition were presented to individuals who donated a total of 1,173 ancient artefacts, including items dating from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Pyu period, Konbaung period, Waithali period and MraukU period. The donated artefacts included fragments of gold floral ornaments, silver coins, stone rings, stone beads, bronze weights, bronze bells, bronze alloy plates and pottery.
The award presentation ceremony was held at 9 am yesterday at the Lawkanat Hall of the Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture in Nay Pyi Taw. The recipients included U Win Ko Ko from 3rd Pankhin Street, Pyinmana Township, Nay Pyi Taw, U Maung Maung Swe from Thaegyun Village, Pyinmana Township, Nay Pyi Taw, U Ye Yint Zaw of Kyauktine Village, Pyawbwe Township, Mandalay Region, U Win Min Tun and U Soe Min of Padigon Village, Myothit Township, Magway Region and U Nyan Lin Htet of Yazadirit Road, Kyaikza (Khawza) Town, Ye Township, Mon State.
Individuals who discover or possess ancient artefacts, whether by chance or through personal collection, may hand them over to the State. For gold artefacts, expert committees assess the items, while the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation verifies their quality and weight. The original value is calculated based on the prevailing market price of gold on the day of assessment.
For Pyu-period artefacts, donors receive the original value plus an additional 80 per cent for historical value and between 40 and 80 per cent for artistic value, along with extra rewards for exceptional items. For Bagan-period artefacts, donors receive an additional 70 per cent for historical value and between 40 and 70 per cent for artistic value. Rare and outstanding artefacts may receive an extra reward equivalent to 40 to 80 per cent of their historical value. As a result, rewards generally amount to between two and a half and more than three and a half times the current market value of the artefacts.
At the ceremony, Union Minister for Hotels, Tourism and Culture U Maung Myint said that cultural heritage and ancient artefacts are invaluable symbols of the nation’s dignity and enduring historical legacy, making their long-term preservation essential. He emphasized that public awareness and participation are vital to protecting the country’s cultural heritage and expressed appreciation for the donors, who chose to hand over the artefacts to the State out of national interest rather than for personal financial gain. He added that the donated artefacts would be systematically preserved and displayed in national museums, and urged the people to report and hand over any ancient artefacts they discover to the relevant authorities.
MNA/KTZH
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