The shield was purchased from a UK auction house by the grandson of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I
A STOLEN ancient Ethiopian shield has finally retuned back its homeland after more than 150 years.
His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie – grandson of Emperor Haile-Selassie I – successfully negotiated the repatriation of a 19th century ornamented shield stolen by British Troops following the Battle of Magdala in 1868.
The shield then disappeared into a private collection and was put up for sale by a UK auction house in February this year, but it was withdrawn after public outcry and pressure from the Ethiopian government.
Prince Ermias established the Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET) – a non-profit organisation – to preserve and promote the cultural, educational, and economic well-being of all Ethiopian people and said the shield is an important part of Ethiopia’s rich history.
Symbol of Ethiopia’s resilience
Under the Prince’s direction, the RET took proactive steps to negotiate the shield’s return to Ethiopia, in keeping with the organisation’s mission to protect and celebrate the nation’s cultural treasures.
“This shield is not just a historical artifact; it is a symbol of Ethiopia’s history and resilience,” said Prince Ermias.
“Our efforts and success in regaining this treasure is a testament to our commitment to preserve our heritage and honour our ancestors who fought for our nation’s sovereignty.”
The Battle of Magdala, fought in 1868, was a significant event in Ethiopian and British history. Following the capture of Magdala – the mountain fortress of Emperor Tewodros II – British forces looted hundreds of artefacts, including the Emperor’s crown, ceremonial crosses, chalices and weapons.
Emperor Tewodros II reigned as Emperor between 1818 and 1868.
Collaboration
To secure the return of the shield, the RET collaborated with Alula Pankhurst, a renowned British scholar with an expertise in Ethiopian history.
He is also the grandson of Sylvia Pankhurst, an English activist who became devoted to Ethiopia following its invasion by Italy in 1936.
Pankurst previously told The Voice: “An exceptionally beautiful shield with the date of the Battle and Magdala inscribed on it proving its looted provenance beyond any doubt. A noteworthy case of a noble restitution gesture by the Royal Ethiopian Trust.”
“It has been an honour to work with Prince Ermias and the Royal Ethiopian Trust to return this significant piece of history to its people,” Pankhurst added.
“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.”
Display
The Magdala Shield will now be housed in the National Museum of Ethiopia, where it will be on display for the Ethiopian people and visitors from around the world.
The shield, one of numerous artefacts seized by British troops following the battle of Magdala in 1868, holds immense cultural value, and was acquired through negotiations with the UK-based Anderson & Garland auction house.
Anderson and Garland had put a 19th Century Abyssinian shield up for auction and on its website said it is expected to sell for between £800 and £1,200.
Withdrawn from auction
The auction was scheduled to take place on 29 February earlier this year, but the auction house confirmed to The Voice, the item had been withdrawn.
In a statement to The Voice, earlier this year, an Anderson & Garland spokesperson said: “After careful consideration, we’ve taken the decision to withdraw this lot from tomorrow’s auction and have referred the matter back to our vendor for their consideration.”
Campaigners had branded the sale as “unethical” and demanded the historic item was removed.
Pankhurst previously told The Voice, he believes the shield could belong to Emperor Tewodros II.
He said: “Experts have also looked and confirmed that it is indeed a Maqdala item and because it is such a high quality shield – very beautifully produced – it was if not owned by Emperor Tewodros himself, by someone very close to him.”
He added: “When items have clearly been looted and in this case there is no doubt because whoever owned the shield had it embossed with the words Magdala 13th April 1868, so there is absolutely no doubt about it.”
Before it returned to Ethiopia the shield was on display at the Toledo Museum of Art, in Ohio during the “Ethiopia at a Crossroads” exhibit.
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- Posted on 7th November 2024 | Chaka ArtwellEthiopia, having accepted a Marxist creed in 1974, has destroyed many of its ancient artefacts linked to the emperor.Artefacts I wished the English had looted; as the English know how to value, and care for Ethiopia’s ancient artefacts.It is too early to celebrate the return from England of an Ethiopian shield.If the shield has not been destroyed by a Marxist inspired militia within the coming century: then a celebration would be welcomed: as it signifies that perhaps Ethiopians had learnt to value, cherish, and protect their ancient history.Reply