Permits

The South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) would like to inform you that, after careful deliberation it has decided to approve your application for a permit to temporarily export the Mapungubwe gold foil rhinoceros figurine, gold foil bovine figurine, gold feline figurine, the Mapungubwe gold sceptre, the gold bowl and the artwork "Wild Fig Tree", also known as "Tree in the Bushveld" by JH Pierneef. Please note that the bovine and the feline figurines have been recently constructed from gold foil fragments that were found with the other objects on display [recovered during excavations in the 1930s]. The British Museum must draw attention to this fact in all labels and published information relating to the exhibition.

The following conditions apply:

1. The SAHRA must be informed if the objects are not exported. 
2. The SAHRA shall not be liable for any losses, damages or injuries to persons or properties as a result of any activities in connection with this permit. 
3. In accordance with the application received on 21 April 2016, should any appeal against the issuing of this permit be received by SAHRA within fourteen days of the date of this permit, the permit will be suspended pending the outcome of the appeal. 
4. The SAHRA shall not be held liable for any losses incurred resulting from the suspension of the permit. SAHRA reserves the right to cancel this permit upon notice to the permit holder.
5. The Specifically Declared Mapungubwe objects are iconic South African objects that form part of the National Estate and their return to South Africa is of critical importance.
6. The objects must be accompanied by two staff members from the University of Pretoria, one of whom should ideally be the Curator who must assist in ensuring the safety of the objects in transit and while being displayed.
7. Discretion must at all times be applied with information shared on the objects in transit to the British Museum.
8. The material may not be loaned to any person or institution other than the person or institution to whom exported, without the consent of SAHRA.
9. It would be appreciated if copies of all publications resulting from this permit could be lodged with SAHRA.
10. The SAHRA must be notified in writing when the material is returned to South Africa, in any event it is to be returned by no later than 20 April 2017.