A tabot, various Ethiopian artifacts looted from Magdala and Prince Alemayehu’s locks of hairs have been returned to Ethiopian Embassy in London, it said.

In a press release issued today, the embassy said that Ethiopia’s artifacts that had been looted in 1868, during the reign of Emperor Tewodros II have been officially returned to the embassy.

Following the battle of Magdala with Emperor Tewodros at northern Ethiopia in 1868, the British troops plundered many treasures, manuscripts and other artifacts.

The son of Emperor Tewodros, Prince Alemayehu, was captive and subsequently taken to Britain, where he died in 1879 aged 18.

Among the artifacts are Tabots of Medihanialem (Saviour) stolen from Magdala in1868, Prince Alemayheu’s lock of hairs, three trophies made of silver and plated with bronze and a shield which was used the war of the time, the embassy indicated.

The handing over ceremony of the artifacts was held at the famous Athenaeum Club in London and was attended by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church delegation including Ethiopian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Teferi Melese and among others.

The tablet was handed over to delegation of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido church.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambasador Teferi explained that the tabot, Prince Alemayehu’s locks of hairs and various artifacts that have been returned to the embassy today are valuable resources for the religion, history and cultural development of the Ethiopian people.

Noting that these artifacts are not seen as simple objects, the ambassador stated that they are manifestations of Ethiopia, the history, culture and identity of the ancient country.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency