In a notable development, a collection of historical artifacts that were looted shortly after the Battle of Magdala in 1868 has been returned to Ethiopia.
The repatriated items, which include two silver-plated cup trophies, a horn cup, letters, a shield, and even the hair of Prince Alemayheu Theodros, were handed over by the Ethiopian Ambassador in the UK, Ambassador Teferi Meles, to Abebaw Ayalew, the Director General of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority.
The repatriated treasures, comprising two silver-plated cup trophies, a horn cup, letters, a shield, and even the hair of Prince Alemayheu Theodros, were ceremoniously handed over by Ambassador Teferi Meles, the Ethiopian Ambassador in the UK, to Abebaw Ayalew, the Director General of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority.
Ambassador Teferi expressed his immense joy at the recovery of these precious artifacts, considering it a significant diplomatic triumph for Ethiopia.
The Battle of Magdala in 1867-1868, also known as the Meqdala War, holds great historical significance for Ethiopia. During this conflict, British forces sacked the Ethiopian mountain fortress of Meqdala.
For many years, the stolen cultural items looted from Meqdala have been a point of tension between Ethiopia and foreign institutions housing them in their collections.
British museums especially have resisted repatriation efforts, often hiding behind legal technicalities that prohibit them from redistributing collection pieces.
However, the debate around returning such artifacts unlawfully taken long ago seems to be gaining new momentum.
Just last year, the British Museum announced plans to loan certain Nigerian artworks to a forthcoming museum, a potential sign that attitudes may slowly be evolving in favor of making wrongs right through restitution.
