Addis Ababa, September 22, 2023 (Addis Walta) Ethiopian various artifacts looted by the British Army during the 1868 Battle of Maqdala are returned to Ethiopia.
The items, which include Ethiopian Orthodox Church sacred tabot, a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, a lock of hair of the young Prince Alemayehu, son of Emperor Tewodros the II, two cups, spear, and shield are returned.
The handover ceremony held at the Athenaeum Club in London was attended by the Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK, Teferi Melesse, a delegation of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, a representative of Ethiopia’s National Heritage Restitution Committee, members of the British Parliament, and invited guests.
Ambassador Teferi stated that the artifacts returned to the rightful owner is of great importance to the religion, history, and cultural development of the Ethiopian people.
The ambassador noted that the embassy will keep its pursuit of the return of the remaining Ethiopian artifacts in the UK.
Ethiopia has engaged in the restitution of thousands of other Ethiopian artifacts that are still in the UK and other European museums and libraries.