Ethiopia hailed on Saturday the return of precious artifacts looted by British soldiers over 150 years ago, after a long campaign for their recovery.
The collection includes a ceremonial crown, an imperial shield, a set of silver-embossed horn drinking cups, a handwritten prayer book, crosses, and a necklace, recovered from Britain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
The British army looted most of these items, after having defeated Emperor Tewodros II in the Battle of Magdala in 1868 in what was then Abyssinia.
The artifacts were unwrapped at Ethiopia’s national museum on Saturday, more than two months after they were formally handed over.
The Ethiopian government continues to fight for the UK to return other looted artifacts, including tablets representing the Ark of the Covenant.
“A variety of artifacts which are a legacy of our culture and values were looted during the battle and taken out of the country illegally,” said Tourism Minister Nasise Challi, during Saturday’s unveiling ceremony.
Calls have long been mounting for Western countries to return the spoils of colonialism, as many national treasures remain displayed in foreign museums or private collections.
Earlier this month, Benin recovered nearly 30 royal treasures seized by France more than 130 years ago.
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