A significant piece of Ethiopian history has been repatriated. A ceremonial shield belonging to Emperor Tewodros II, looted during the 1868 Magdala War, has returned to its homeland after 156 years.
The shield, a symbol of Ethiopian heritage and royal power, was reclaimed through the efforts of the Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET).
Following negotiations with the UK-based auction house Anderson & Garland, the artifact was withdrawn from an upcoming auction and returned to Ethiopia.
The repatriation ceremony was attended by officials from the Ethiopian Heritage Protection Authority and descendants of veterans who fought in the Magdala War.
The event marked a historic moment for Ethiopia, as the nation continues its efforts to recover cultural artifacts lost during colonial periods.
The Magdala War, the final confrontation of the British Expedition to Abyssinia, resulted in the defeat of Emperor Tewodros II and the seizure of numerous Ethiopian artifacts.
The return of the shield is a step towards rectifying historical injustices and restoring Ethiopia’s cultural heritage.