First time in Ethiopia history to bring back looted artefacts in this quantity

Date:

Share post:

Ethiopia, one of the world’s oldest countries with a rich and ancient cultural and religious heritage, has said it considers the ransacking of Magdala a “great injustice” that has been a thorn in relations with Britain.

Ethiopia said it was the largest such repatriation of artefacts to the country, with its ambassador to Britain, Teferi Melesse, describing it as of “huge significance”.

The treasures were unwrapped before the media at Ethiopia’s national museum on Saturday, more than two months after they were formally handed over at a ceremony in London in September.

The Ethiopian government is still fighting for Britain to return other stolen artefacts including sacred wooden and stone tabots or tablets, which represent the Ark of the Covenant.

The tabots are housed in the British Museum in London,  which has a vast trove of foreign treasures — but have never been put on public display.

Ethiopia is also seeking the remains of Tewodros’ son Prince Alemayehu who was taken to Britain after the emperor committed suicide following his battlefield defeat.

It is our belief that all Ethiopia’s artefacts must find their way home to bring closure to generations of Ethiopians dispossessed of their heritage and aggrieved by this painful chapter in our shared history.

Several of the returned items were due to be auctioned but were bought by the Scheherazade, a non-profit Foundation with the aim of repatriation through a Dorset-based auction house and private dealers in mainland Europe. Others were acquired from private dealers or investors.

Addis Insight
Addis Insighthttps://addisinsight.net/
Addis Insight is Ethiopia’s fastest growing digital news platform, providing consumers with the latest news from Ethiopia and its diaspora. We provide marketers with innovative opportunities to leverage our stories and overall brand with a fiercely curious and highly engaged audience.
spot_img

Related articles

Ethiopia’s Government Bans Two Prominent Human Rights Organizations

The Civil Society Organizations Authority (ACSO) confirmed on Wednesday that it has banned two organizations known for their...

ADvTECH Expands into Ethiopia with $7.5 Million Acquisition of Flipper International School

In a significant move to expand its presence across Africa, JSE-listed private education provider ADvTECH Group has announced...

Safaricom Confirms No Coverage for Western Parts of Ethiopia in Next Phase of Expansion

During a visit by the House of People’s Representatives to its headquarters, Safaricom Ethiopia announced its next phase...

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Moves to Establish an Investment Bank

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) is in the process of establishing an investment bank, a move aligned...