By OLIVIA ALLHUSEN / Daily Mail
Ethiopia has formally requested that King Charles and the British Army return artefacts deemed ‘sacred’ that were taken during a conflict 150 years ago. These significant items have remained in Britain since their acquisition at the Battle of Magdala in 1868, and the Ethiopian government is now seeking their repatriation.
The artefacts, which hold immense spiritual value for the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, are currently preserved by military units in their regimental museums. Additionally, some of these relics are part of the King’s Royal Collection, as well as being housed in various other institutions across the United Kingdom, including the British Museum.
In order to facilitate the return of these items, officials in Addis Ababa will need to submit their requests to both the King and the veterans of the military units that manage the museums dedicated to their regimental histories. This process underscores the ongoing dialogue regarding the restitution of cultural heritage and the significance of these artefacts to Ethiopia’s national identity.
The initiative will be spearheaded by the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, which operates under the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
In relation to the Royal Collection’s possession of religious manuscripts, Abebaw Ayalew Gella, the director general of the heritage authority, expressed to The Telegraph that such actions are unethical. He emphasized that these manuscripts should not be treated as mere artifacts to be stored away, as they hold significant sacred value.
He further elaborated, stating that the items taken from Magdala were not acquired by chance but were the result of a meticulously orchestrated operation. He characterized this act as looting, underscoring the deliberate nature of the expedition that led to the removal of these important cultural treasures.
‘We are working on what is where, and how we can negotiate,’ the director general added.
The UK Government will be formally asked to support Ethiopia’s claims as part of a planned campaign set to start next year.
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Officials are hoping Labour leaders will be more open to repatriation than their Conservative predecessors given that Sir Keir Starmer and Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, have expressed support for a resolution to the row over the Elgin Marbles.
Ethiopian officials are also considering approaching the Ministry of Defence, which helps to fund a number of museums, for assistance with their campaign.
Some of the relics ‘looted’ include The Miracles of the Virgin Mary, an 18th century manuscript currently held by the Royal Collection, golden slippers of Ethiopian emperor Tewodros II, also housed in the King’s treasure trove, and a shield possibly also owned by the emperor, kept in the National Army Museum.
Institutions such as the British Museum are prevented by law from relinquishing artefacts.
But, collections tied to regiments or items in the Royal Collection, which is owned by the King, can be returned if given the green light by trustees.
A precedent for returning items held in the Royal Collection was set after Elizabeth II handed back a royal cap and seal during a state visit to Ethiopia in 1965, when she met with Haile Selassie, the country’s last emperor.
His grandson, Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, called on the King to return the symbolic treasures of fellow royalty.
British forces helped themselves to the treasures when Lt Gen Robert Napier defeated Tewodros II, the Ethiopian emperor, at his fortress in Magdala in 1868.
This came after a conflict about the unpredictable ruler – who was also known as the ‘mad, wild king’ – taking a number of European hostages prisoner during a fit of rage.
The hostages were freed and the fortress was ransacked by soldiers who sold the artefacts to collectors in the UK.
Rather than surrender, Tewodros II is said to have shot himself with a revolver previously given to him by Queen Victoria.
