Ethiopia Intensifies Push for the Return of Sacred Artifacts Seized by British Forces Over 150 Years Agob

Ethiopia is now making a determined effort to reclaim sacred treasures that were taken by British forces over 150 years ago.

These items, many of which hold immense religious and cultural significance, have been in the Royal Collection for decades, but their return is becoming an increasingly pressing matter.

Sacred Artifacts in the Royal Collection

Among the treasures that Ethiopia wants back are priceless manuscripts, royal jewelry, and sacred relics, many of which are deeply meaningful to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

The most significant of these artifacts include religious tablets and intricate gold filigree slippers, items that hold great historical and religious importance.

King Charles III may soon face mounting pressure to return these treasures, which many believe were taken immorally during a turbulent time in history.

The Dispute’s Origins: The 1868 Battle of Magdala

The story of these treasures traces back to the Battle of Magdala in 1868, when British troops, led by General Robert Napier, defeated the forces of Emperor Tewodros II of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia).

After the battle, British forces looted Emperor Tewodros’ palace, seizing a treasure trove that included sacred religious artifacts and royal treasures.

Many of these items eventually found their way into the British Royal Collection, where they remain today.

Ethiopia’s Growing Call for Repatriation

The Ethiopian government, along with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, is now spearheading a campaign to bring these items back to Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Heritage Authority has called the continued presence of these treasures in Britain “immoral,” stressing that these sacred artifacts should never have been removed from their homeland.

Abebaw Ayalew Gella, director of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, highlighted the sacred nature of the items, saying, “You don’t just put them somewhere. They are sacred.”

The Importance of Sacred Manuscripts and Relics

Among the items Ethiopia seeks to recover are manuscripts such as the Life of Mary and The Miracles of the Virgin Mary.

These manuscripts were commissioned by Ethiopian royalty and are known for their elaborate illuminations.

Gella pointed out that such manuscripts are considered sacred and should never be handled carelessly.

“A manuscript with illumination is always considered sacred,” he noted, emphasizing the deep cultural and spiritual value of these relics.

The Role of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has also been vocal in its demand for the return of these items.

Memher Girma Batu, an Orthodox priest, explained the significance of the Tabots—sacred tablets that symbolize the Ark of the Covenant.

“They symbolise the commandments of God. It is not fair to have them there.

Please return the Tabots to their original place — that is Ethiopia,” Batu pleaded.

These sacred items are central to Ethiopian religious practices, and their removal has been a point of contention for many years.

Legal Obstacles: The British Museum Act

However, returning these treasures is not as straightforward as it might seem.

The British Museum Act of 1963 restricts national museums, including the British Museum, from returning artifacts.

This law has led to disagreements with other nations, such as Greece and Egypt, over the repatriation of looted treasures.

The British Museum’s stance, coupled with this legal framework, makes it difficult for the British government to return items from the Royal Collection, despite growing calls for repatriation.

Progress: One Item Already Returned

In 2023, Ethiopia did manage to secure the return of one important item—a sacred tablet looted during the 1868 battle.

This was a significant victory for Ethiopia, as it was repatriated during a church service in London.

However, other treasures, particularly those held in the Royal Collection, remain out of reach for now.

The Remains of Prince Alemayehu

Ethiopia’s attempts to reclaim other items have not been as successful.

One notable example is the case of Prince Alemayehu, the son of Emperor Tewodros II

. After his father’s defeat, the young prince was taken to Britain, where he lived until his death in 1879.

His remains were interred in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, but Ethiopia’s request to have them returned was rejected by the British royal family in 2023.

The palace explained that exhuming the prince’s remains would disturb the graves of others nearby, and therefore, the request could not be fulfilled.

A Growing Debate: The Legacy of Colonial Looting

This ongoing push for repatriation is part of a broader debate about colonial powers returning looted treasures.

Countries like South Africa have long campaigned for the return of artifacts taken during the colonial era.

As Ethiopia’s call for the return of its sacred treasures gains momentum, it poses a challenge to Britain’s relationship with its colonial past.

King Charles and the royal family will be forced to navigate this complex issue, balancing diplomatic concerns with the growing demand for justice and restitution.

The Future of Repatriation

As the debate continues, it remains unclear whether King Charles and the British government will yield to Ethiopia’s request or resist the return of these sacred treasures.

The outcome could set a precedent for how Britain addresses the legacy of colonial-era looting and repatriation requests from former colonies.

The world will be watching as this dispute unfolds, and its resolution could have far-reaching implications for how museums and governments handle the return of stolen cultural artifacts.

Should Colonial Artifacts Be Returned to Their Countries of Origin?

The question of whether artifacts looted during the colonial period should be returned to their countries of origin remains a contentious one.

As Ethiopia’s push for repatriation intensifies, it will be interesting to see how this issue is addressed on the international stage.

What do you think—should these colonial-era treasures be returned to their rightful places? Let us know your thoughts.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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