Rare Cultural Artifact Will Return to Ethiopia After U.S. Exhibition
Centerbrook, CT — The Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, has successfully negotiated the repatriation of a historic Ethiopian shield looted by British forces after the Battle of Magdala in 1868. This artifact, a 19th-century ornate leather shield with silver mountings, will return to Ethiopia following a brief exhibition in the United States at the Toledo Museum of Art.
The RET, founded by His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, grandson of Emperor Haile-Selassie I, worked in collaboration with the UK-based auction house Anderson & Garland to secure the shield’s return. Initially slated for public auction in February, the shield was withdrawn after pressure from the Ethiopian government and advocacy from the RET. Prince Ermias spearheaded negotiations to bring this cultural treasure home, marking a major victory in the Trust’s mission to protect Ethiopia’s heritage.
“This shield is not just a historical artifact; it is a symbol of Ethiopia’s history and resilience,” stated Prince Ermias. “Our success in regaining this treasure is a testament to our commitment to honor our ancestors who fought for our nation’s sovereignty and to preserve Ethiopia’s cultural legacy.”
The Battle of Magdala was a defining event in both Ethiopian and British history. The confrontation marked the end of Emperor Tewodros II’s reign; following his defeat, British troops looted his fortress, taking ceremonial artifacts including the emperor’s crown, crosses, chalices, and weapons. For decades, these items have remained outside Ethiopia, sparking calls for their return from Ethiopian authorities and advocates.
Alula Pankhurst, a respected scholar of Ethiopian history and grandson of English activist Sylvia Pankhurst, was a key partner in securing the shield’s repatriation. “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 remarked. “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, known as the Shield of Magdala, will be exhibited at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio from October 4 to October 27, alongside the “Ethiopia at a Crossroads” exhibit. This limited showing offers a rare opportunity for the public to view the artifact before its final journey home to Ethiopia. In November, the shield will be formally returned and housed at the National Museum of Ethiopia, where it will be on display for the Ethiopian people and international visitors.
About the Royal Ethiopian Trust
The Royal Ethiopian Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie to preserve Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and support the nation’s future. The Trust’s work centers on four pillars: empowering youth through education, fostering entrepreneurship, preserving imperial heritage, and supporting the Ethiopian Crown as a symbol of national unity. Through these efforts, the RET aims to ensure a vibrant, prosperous future for Ethiopia and its people.
About the Shield of Magdala
The Shield of Magdala, looted during the British Expedition to Abyssinia, represents a painful yet significant chapter in Ethiopian history. The shield, which bears intricate silver designs and the date “April 13, 1868,” commemorates the Battle of Magdala, the conflict in which Emperor Tewodros II took his own life to avoid capture. For many Ethiopians, the shield embodies the losses incurred during that period and has become a symbol of Ethiopia’s resilience and enduring cultural heritage.
Efforts to return Ethiopian artifacts have gathered momentum in recent years, with several items withdrawn from auctions due to advocacy and protests from Ethiopian authorities. The successful return of the Shield of Magdala is a testament to these ongoing efforts.
For media inquiries:
For HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie / Royal Ethiopian Trust
Laura Peet
PeetCom Inc.
384249@email4pr.com
(917) 860-628
For Toledo Museum of Art
Kate Morais
Sutton Communications
384249@email4pr.com
This landmark event marks a step forward in the preservation and repatriation of Ethiopia’s heritage, providing an inspiring example of how diplomacy and dedication can return cultural treasures to their rightful place.
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