Ethiopian artefacts looted at Battle of Maqdala to be returned home

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2021 (FBC) – Ethiopian artefacts, including a Bible, crosses and an Imperial shield, looted at the Battle of Maqdala in 1868 by British troops are to be returned to Ethiopia.

Scheherazade Foundation which purchased the items through a UK-based auction house and private dealers agreed to give back the objects to Ethiopia.

Speaking on the occasion at a reception held at The Athenaeum Club, Ethiopian Ambassador to the UK Teferi thanked The Scheherazade Foundation for their work in acquiring the precious items and renewed calls for museums, collectors and holders of Maqdala 1868 heritage to return them to Ethiopia.

The Scheherazade Foundation CEO, Tahir Shah said he knew what the return of the objects would mean to Ethiopians and that through his Foundation, he hopes to build bridges between the two nations.

The Embassy will make arrangements for the items to be returned to Ethiopia.