Person handing over Pyu-era gold cane ball receives cash reward and certificate

A person who handed over a small Pyu-era gold cane ball discov­ered in Pyay Town­ship, Bago Region, was presented with a cash reward of more than K500,000 and a certifi­cate of appreciation by the Department of Ar­chaeology and National Museum, according to reports.

The certificate of appreciation and a cash reward of K549,525 were formally presented by the Sri Ksetra Branch Office under the Divi­sion of World Heritage Sites of the Depart­ment of Archaeology and National Museum to U Htein Lin Oo, a res­ident of Linywa Village, Hmawza Village-tract, Pyay Township, Bago Region, who had con­scientiously handed over the artifact.

The Bago Region Government and the department conduct public awareness talks, and citizens who respon­sibly hand over gold or­naments and other an­tiquities as state-owned property are designat­ed as beneficiaries and appropriately rewarded based on the market val­ue of the items, together with an additional sup­plementary valuation, according to reports.

Antiquities are im­portant evidence for un­derstanding the nation’s history and culture and must be preserved to prevent their loss. De­stroying or illegally selling ancient artifacts is also subject to legal action in accordance with the Protection and Preservation of Ancient Artifacts Law and Rules issued by the State. — ASH/TH