25th Anniversary: Founding Of Archaeology Department

The 25th anniversary for Archaeology was celebrated in conjunction with the founding of Archaeology Department in University of Yangon, Sunday.

The Department of Archaeology was founded in 1994 with the aim to form a progressive society exploration, excavate and preserve cultural heritages based on the broaden knowledge of their values.

Head, Department of Archaeology (Yangon), Prof. San Shwe said “There were multiple challenges to overcome when we first founded the department since Archaeology was a new one in the country at that time. General public has little knowledge on archaeology. The department is trying the best to raise awareness on values of national treasures and ways to preserve them.”

Archaeology, the study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture consists of artifacts, architecture, biofacts or ecofacts and cultural landscapes. The professor said that artifacts unearthed in the excavations are the most valued in academic point of view.

Associate Professor, Department of Archaeology (Mandalay), Dr. Maung Maung Lwin said “Today, I would share my research findings about modern stone age paintings found on natural rock in Lwe Wun village near Pinlaung township of southern Shan state. There are records of finding them in 1998. The village is in a very remote area and transportation infrastructure is underdeveloped.”

The event also featured a paper reading session of 12 archaeologists on their research findings including potential approach to settlement patterns of prehistoric archaeological sites in Myanmar, the study on the arrangement and organization of Buddhist Monastic complexes in Bagan on architectural point of view and many more. The celebration will be held till on the 29th of this month with ceremony for paying homage to teachers and gathering dinner.