Ethiopia is preparing to make a bold demand for the return of sacred treasures that British forces took over 150 years ago.
SACRED ARTIFACTS AT THE ROYAL COLLECTION
Some of the items held in the Royal Collection hold immense religious and historical significance to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, according to People.
King Charles III could soon face pressure to return what many see as “immoral” treasures. These include priceless manuscripts, royal jewellery, and even relics linked to the ancient Ethiopian monarchy.
The dispute traces back to the 1868 Battle of Magdala.
BRITAIN AND ETHIOPIA
During this confrontation, British troops, led by General Robert Napier, defeated the forces of Emperor Tewodros II of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia).
Following the battle, British forces seized a treasure trove of artefacts from Tewodros’ palace, according to The Telegraph.
This included sacred religious tablets and gold filigree slippers, which were later placed in the Royal Collection.
The Ethiopian government now argues that these items, deeply sacred to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, should return.
‘IMMORAL’ BRITISH COLLECTION
Abebaw Ayalew Gella, director general of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, called the presence of these treasures in Britain “immoral.”
He emphasised the sacred nature of these artefacts. “You don’t just put them somewhere. They are sacred.”
Gella referred to manuscripts like the Life of Mary and The Miracles of the Virgin Mary, which Ethiopian royalty commissioned and illuminated with intricate details.
“A manuscript with illumination is always considered sacred,” he added, “You don’t even touch them.”
RETURNING ARTIFACTS TO THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE
The Ethiopian government’s push will be led by the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, alongside the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, according to Geo News.
The government is expected to formally request that the British government support the return of these items.
The Ethiopian authorities have argued that the items should be returned to their rightful place.
SACRED TABLETS
Orthodox priest Memher Girma Batu explained the importance of the Tabots, sacred tablets that symbolise the Ark of the Covenant.
“They symbolise the commandments of God. It is not fair to have them there. Please return the Tabots to their original place — that is Ethiopia,” Batu urged.
While the Royal Collection holds these artefacts, it is technically the trustees, not King Charles, who have the authority to return them.
THE BRITISH MUSEUM ACT
However, the British Museum is not as flexible due to the British Museum Act of 1963, which prevents national museums from returning artefacts.
This has often led to tension with nations like Greece and Egypt over looted treasures held in the museum’s vast collection.
It is also worth noting that Ethiopia has already secured the return of one important object from Britain.
In 2023, a sacred tablet that had been looted in the 1868 battle was repatriated during a church service in London.
THE REMAINS OF PRINCE ALEMAYEHU
But the Royal Collection has been much more reluctant to part with its treasures. King Charles and the royal family have faced similar requests in the past.
In 2023, they rejected Ethiopia’s request to return the remains of Prince Alemayehu, the son of Tewodros II.
The prince had been brought to the UK after his father’s defeat but died young in 1879. His body was buried in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The palace explained that exhuming his remains would disturb the graves of others nearby and therefore would not be possible.
REPATRIATION AND ETHIOPIA
This latest push for repatriation from Ethiopia could lead to a new chapter in Britain’s complex relationship with its colonial past.
It also presents a challenge for King Charles as he navigates these demands while maintaining the royal family’s diplomatic standing.
The outcome of this dispute could set an important precedent for how Britain deals with the legacy of colonial artefacts.
LOOTED TREASURES AND COLONIAL POWERS
Countries like South Africa have long campaigned for the return of looted treasures from colonial powers.
As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen whether King Charles will heed Ethiopia’s call or whether Britain will resist returning these sacred treasures.
DO YOU BELIEVE COLONIAL ARTIFACTS SHOULD RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN?
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