Ethiopia is set to demand the return of sacred artefacts looted by British forces during the 1868 Battle of Magdala. The campaign, led by the Ethiopian Heritage Authority and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, aims to reclaim religious and cultural treasures held in British institutions and the Royal Collection.
The artefacts, including illuminated manuscripts and holy Tabots, were seized after British troops defeated Emperor Tewodros II. Items such as The Life of Mary and The Miracles of the Virgin Mary manuscripts, alongside Tewodros II’s gold filigree slippers, remain in the Royal Collection. Sacred Tabots, deeply revered in Ethiopian Orthodoxy, are held in the British Museum but remain hidden from public view due to their religious significance.
Ethiopian officials have criticized the continued possession of these items, calling it “immoral” and emphasizing their cultural and spiritual importance. They plan to petition the UK government and launch a global awareness campaign involving intellectuals and athletes.
Previous restitution attempts have faced legal hurdles, such as the British Museum Act 1963, which prevents the return of artefacts from national collections. However, Ethiopia hopes for a more favorable response from future UK administrations.
If successful, the sacred items will be restored to Ethiopian churches, and other treasures will be displayed in national museums, symbolizing the country’s efforts to reclaim its looted heritage.