Hidden away in regimental museums across the UK, Ethiopian treasures taken during a contentious 1868 expedition are now at the center of an intense debate. With plans underway to reclaim these artifacts by 2026, Ethiopia is determined to challenge the legacy of imperial looting.
These treasures, symbolic of a rich cultural heritage, spark questions about historical accountability and the evolving role of institutions tasked with preserving them. What will become of these contested artifacts?
The 1868 Magdala Expedition: A Controversial Legacy
In 1868, British forces, led by Sir Robert Napier, invaded Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) after Emperor Tewodros II detained European hostages in frustration over a diplomatic dispute with Queen Victoria. The British army’s victory at Magdala resulted in widespread looting of cultural and religious artifacts, including shields, swords, drums, and chains. These items were later displayed in museums like the Royal Engineers Museum, the Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, and others.
Ethiopian officials, including Abebaw Ayalew Gella, director of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority, have characterized the expedition as a systematic operation aimed at seizing valuable heritage. “What was taken from Magdala was not something found there accidentally,” Gella stated. “We call it looting.”
Cataloging the Looted Heritage : Artifacts and Their Current Locations
Ethiopian officials are creating an inventory of the looted Ethiopian treasures, many of which are housed in regimental and national collections. Below is a summary of the key Ethiopian treasures and the institutions where they are stored:
| Artifact Type | Institutions Housing Them | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shields, swords, and drums | Royal Engineers Museum, National Army Museum | Believed to have been taken from Magdala in 1868. |
| Chains and regalia | Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards | Includes ceremonial items of historical significance. |
| Religious manuscripts | British Museum (legal barriers to restitution) | Cannot be returned under current UK laws. |
| Royal Collection items | Royal Collection (associated with King Charles III) | Includes sacred and secular items from Magdala. |
The Ethiopian government’s efforts include seeking both diplomatic and public support to convince institutions and stakeholders to allow the return of these treasures.
Museums and the Legal Landscape
Unlike national institutions such as the British Museum, which are bound by laws prohibiting the return of artifacts without parliamentary approval, regimental museums have more flexibility. With trustee approval, these museums could repatriate items in response to Ethiopia’s request.
The Royal Engineers Museum, the Royal Artillery Museum, and the National Army Museum are among the institutions likely to face pressure. This push also extends to the Royal Collection, which holds treasures taken from Magdala, With trustee approval, these museums could repatriate Ethiopian treasures in response to Ethiopia’s request.
The Broader Implications of Cultural Restitution
The Ethiopian campaign is part of a larger global movement advocating for the return of cultural artifacts acquired during colonial and imperial conquests. Countries such as Greece and Nigeria have made similar demands for the return of the Parthenon Marbles and Benin Bronzes, respectively. These efforts have sparked ethical debates about the responsibilities of former colonial powers.
Global Restitution Efforts : Parallels with Ethiopia
- Greece: Continues to campaign for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum.
- Nigeria: Successfully negotiated the repatriation of Benin Bronzes from institutions in Germany and the UK.
- India: Advocates for the return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond and other artifacts taken during the British colonial period.
These campaigns underscore growing international calls for historical accountability and the importance of cultural heritage in shaping national identity.
Ethiopia’s demands highlight the intersection of historical accountability and modern diplomacy. While the return of these artifacts could help reconcile colonial legacies, it also raises questions about the legal and logistical challenges involved.
For the UK, how it responds to Ethiopia’s campaign for the return of Ethiopian treasures will likely serve as a significant test of its willingness to engage with its imperial history. Ethiopia’s efforts to reclaim its treasures serve as a powerful reminder of how historical actions continue to shape modern international relations and the dynamics of cultural accountability.
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