Looted Ethiopian Shield of Magdala to Finally Return Home After 150 Years

The-Magdala-Shield-Overhead-view-Horizontal.-Photo-Credit-Royal-Ethiopian-Trust

A historic Ethiopian shield, looted by British troops during the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia, will soon be returned to Ethiopia after being withdrawn from auction in the UK earlier this year. The Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET) successfully negotiated its repatriation with the Anderson & Garland auction house, where it had been listed for sale in February. The shield, which holds immense cultural significance, was removed from the sale after pressure from the Ethiopian government.

The shield, inscribed with the words “Magdala 13th April 1868,” marks the date of the Battle of Magdala, a pivotal conflict in which British forces captured the mountain fortress of Emperor Tewodros II. The battle ended with the looting of Ethiopian treasures, including the emperor’s crown and other artifacts. The shield, made from metal and animal hide, was among the many items taken by British soldiers.

Originally listed as Lot 903 in Anderson & Garland’s “The Collector’s Auction,” the shield was expected to fetch between £800 and £1,200. However, the Ethiopian government intervened, citing the shield’s historical and cultural importance. Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, grandson of Emperor Haile-Selassie I and founder of RET, led the efforts to secure its return.

“This shield is not just a historical artifact; it is a symbol of Ethiopia’s history and resilience,” Prince Ermias said in a press statement. “Our efforts and success in regaining this treasure is a testament to our commitment to preserve our heritage and honor our ancestors who fought for our nation’s sovereignty.”

RET’s mission to preserve Ethiopia’s cultural heritage was supported by British scholar Alula Pankhurst, grandson of the renowned English activist Sylvia Pankhurst, who advocated for Ethiopia during Italy’s invasion in 1936. Alula Pankhurst, an expert in Ethiopian history, played a key role in the negotiations.

“It has been an honor to work with Prince Ermias and the Royal Ethiopian Trust to return this significant piece of history to its people,” Pankhurst said in a statement. “Our families have long been dedicated to safeguarding Ethiopia’s heritage, and ensuring that this shield returns to the Ethiopian people is a proud continuation of that legacy.”

The shield is currently on display at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio as part of its exhibition “Ethiopia at the Crossroads,” where it will remain until October 27, 2024. Following its exhibition in the U.S., the shield will be transported back to Ethiopia and showcased at the National Museum of Ethiopia.

The return of the Magdala shield is part of a larger global movement for the repatriation of cultural artifacts taken during colonial and military expeditions. For Ethiopia, this event represents not only the recovery of a stolen artifact but also a step toward restoring national pride and honoring the memory of those who fought for the country’s sovereignty in the 19th century.

The shield’s repatriation reinforces Ethiopia’s commitment to reclaiming looted treasures, with hopes that more of its cultural artifacts scattered around the world will eventually return home.

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