The Department of Archaeology and the National Museum (Mandalay branch) under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture reported that a reward and certificate of honour were given to a hobby collector who transferred 28 ancient utensils dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages, to the department on 13 August.
U Bo Naing Win from Myintha Village, Kyahnyut Village-tract, Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Region, transferred two glass rings and 26 earthen vases used by society during the rise of the Bronze and Iron Ages to the department. The department rewarded him with K506,000. The director in charge of the Mandalay branch presented the award on behalf of the department director-general.
“Mandalay Region is rich in cultural heritage from all ages, making it essential for citizens to participate in preserving these ancient cultural assets to ensure they do not disappear. It is also important for the people to be involved in preserving this heritage. The State is lavishly rewarding antique collectors who come forward and contribute their items,” said U Pauk Pauk, a consultant from the Mandalay branch of the Department of Archaeology and the National Museum.
The department regards individuals who hand over goldware, silverware, and other antiques as beneficiaries and rewards them. The transferred items are evaluated based on their original value, current market price, intrinsic value, and historical significance. The inspection team considers the type of material used, the level of craftsmanship, and the historical context in their evaluation.
The department distinguishes between periods from the Stone Age to the colonial period in order to award additional rewards: 50 to 100 per cent for the period of the item, 30 to 80 per cent for the craftsmanship of the period, and 40 to 80 per cent for the item’s additional value. — ASH/TH
