The National Heritage Restitution Committee disclosed that aggressive efforts are underway to recover looted Ethiopian artifacts still being auctioned off in Europe.
Alula Pankhurst, son of the renowned Ethiopianist, Richard Pankhurst, who also holds a seat in the Heritage Restitution Committee, told the Ethiopian News Agency that strenuous efforts are being made for the return of treasures looted during the Magdala War of 1868, fought ferociously between Emperor Tewodros II and the British Expedition of Sir Robert Napier.
The looting of cultural treasures has remained a contentious issue between Ethiopia and institutions holding them in foreign lands.
He recalled that the Ethiopian National Heritage Restitution Committee has done its part for the return of artifacts held abroad for more than a century, adding that the artifacts hold immense cultural and historical significance for Ethiopia, reflecting its rich heritage and identity.
So far efforts have borne fruit with the successful return of more than 20 artifacts looted by the British army during the Battle of "Mekdela," including the Holy Tabot tablet of 'Medhane'Alem,' a lock of Prince Alemayehu's hair -- the son of Emperor Tewodros II.
Some of the returned artifacts are currently kept at the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, in the premises of the Addis Ababa University.
Alula said looted Ethiopian artifacts are still found in 27 museums in England alone, adding extensive efforts have been employed to recover the artifacts.//