A looted ancient Ethiopian shield is finally returning home after being purchased by His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias, a grandson of Emperor Haile-Selassie I. He successfully negotiated the repatriation of the 19th-century ornamented shield stolen by British troops following the Battle of Magdala. The shield then disappeared into a private collection and was due to be put up for sale by a UK auction house.
Prince Ermias established the Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET) – a non-profit organization – to preserve and promote the cultural, educational, and economic well-being of all Ethiopian people. “This shield is not just a historical artifact; it is a symbol of Ethiopia’s history and resilience,” said Prince Ermias. The shield, one of numerous artifacts seized by British troops following the battle of Magdala in 1868, holds immense cultural value. To secure the return of the shield, the RET collaborated with Alula Pankhurst, renowned British scholar with expertise in Ethiopian history.
“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,” Alula stated. “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.”
Before it comes home, the shield will travel to Ohio, where it will be on display at the Toledo Museum of Art, from October 4th to 27th, concurrently with the “Ethiopia at a Crossroads” exhibit. The Magdala Shield will make its final journey home in November and will be housed in the National Museum of Ethiopia, where it will be on display for the Ethiopian people and visitors from around the world.
Source: www.voice-online.co.uk/news/world-news/2024/
www.royalethiopiantrust.org/
