It was observed that Ethiopia has managed to see to the return of the Shield of Mekdela which many said was a significant cultural triumph; an artifact of profound historical importance that was looted by British forces during the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia. The shield was taken following the Battle of Mekdela, where Emperor Tewodros II’s mountain fortress was captured, and numerous treasures were plundered. It is now set to be returned to its rightful home.
Originally slated for auction this past February by the UK auction house Anderson and Garland, the shield’s return is the result of dedicated efforts by the Ethiopian government and the Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET). RET, a nonprofit founded by Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, the grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie I, successfully negotiated with the auction house to cancel the sale and facilitate the shield’s repatriation. Prince Ermias highlighted the shield’s significance, stating, “This shield is not just a historical artifact; it symbolizes Ethiopia’s history and resilience. Our success in reclaiming this treasure underscores our commitment to preserving our heritage and honoring the sacrifices of our ancestors who fought for our nation’s sovereignty.”
The Royal Ethiopian Trust worked alongside British scholar Alula Pankhurst, an expert in Ethiopian history and grandson of the noted activist Sylvia Pankhurst, who was a strong advocate for Ethiopia during Italy’s 1936 invasion. Alula Pankhurst remarked on his involvement, saying, “It has been an honor to collaborate with Prince Ermias and the Royal Ethiopian Trust to return this vital piece of history to its rightful owners. Our families have long been devoted to protecting Ethiopia’s heritage, and ensuring this shield’s return is a prideful extension of that legacy.”
After its final exhibition at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio, where it is featured in “Ethiopia at the Crossroads,” the shield will travel to the National Museum of Ethiopia. This repatriation is part of a broader movement to return cultural treasures to Ethiopia, symbolizing not only the return of a historical artifact but also a significant victory in preserving Ethiopia’s cultural sovereignty and resilience.
Experts in area say that repatriating items of high cultural value is a crucial endeavor that carries profound implications for the communities and nations involved. Repatriation helps restore a sense of cultural identity to communities that have been historically marginalized or oppressed. Items returned to their place of origin can serve as symbols of cultural pride and continuity. Repatriated artifacts often hold deep connections to ancestral traditions, allowing communities to reconnect with their history and cultural practices.
The act of repatriation acknowledges historical injustices, such as colonialism and cultural theft, fostering a sense of justice and reconciliation for affected communities. Repatriation can initiate important dialogues about history, ethics, and the responsibilities of institutions, promoting healing and understanding between cultures. Returning cultural artifacts promotes a richer understanding of global diversity. It allows for the sharing of different cultural narratives and histories, fostering mutual respect and appreciation.
Repatriation is often linked to broader movements advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples and marginalized communities, helping to amplify their voices and perspectives. Sending home items can serve as valuable educational resources, providing insights into the cultural, historical, and artistic heritage of a community. They can be used in museums and educational programs to teach future generations.
The return of artifacts can stimulate research and scholarship within the cultural context of their origin, leading to a deeper understanding of the community’s history and contributions.
The return of cultural items can strengthen community ties and encourage local involvement in cultural heritage initiatives, enhancing collective identity and solidarity.
Returning empowers communities by giving them agency over their cultural artifacts and narratives, allowing them to dictate how their heritage is preserved and presented.
Repatriated items can enhance cultural tourism, attracting visitors interested in authentic cultural experiences. This can lead to economic benefits for local communities.
The return of artifacts often comes with investments in local museums and cultural institutions, promoting job creation and skills development in heritage management.
The repatriation of culturally significant items is not merely an act of returning physical objects; it represents a deeper commitment to justice, healing, and the recognition of the intrinsic value of cultural heritage. It underscores the importance of respecting and honoring the histories and identities of all communities in a globalized world.
The return of the Shield of Mekdela to Ethiopia carries immense significance for various reasons, encompassing cultural, historical, and social dimensions. The Shield of Mekdela is a powerful symbol of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage and history. Its return reinforces national pride and helps restore a sense of identity that was disrupted by colonial actions. Returning the shield allows for the safeguarding of traditional practices and stories associated with it, ensuring that future generations can connect with their heritage.
The shield was taken during a colonial expedition, symbolizing the broader injustices faced by Ethiopia and other nations under colonial rule. Its return acknowledges this painful history and serves as a step toward reconciliation.
Empowerment of Local Narratives: Bringing the shield home empowers Ethiopian voices and narratives, allowing them to reclaim their history from colonial interpretations.
The return of the shield can enhance diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and the UK, fostering mutual respect and understanding. It demonstrates a commitment to addressing historical grievances through cooperative efforts.
This act can serve as a model for other nations regarding the repatriation of cultural artifacts, encouraging global discussions about the ethics of ownership and the responsibilities of museums and institutions.
The shield’s presence in Ethiopia provides valuable opportunities for educational programs that teach about the country’s history, culture, and the significance of the artifact itself.
Its return encourages academic research into Ethiopian history and culture, fostering a deeper understanding of the nation’s past and contributions to the world.
The repatriation can inspire communities to engage more actively in cultural preservation and heritage initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in their history.
The shield’s return allows local communities to tell their stories, reinforcing their agency in defining their cultural identity.
The shield symbolizes the resilience of the Ethiopian people, who have historically resisted colonization and preserved their sovereignty. Its return is a testament to their enduring spirit and cultural strength.
The shield serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by previous generations, inspiring current and future Ethiopians to continue valuing and protecting their cultural heritage.
The return of the Shield of Mekdela to Ethiopia is not merely a restitution of a historical artifact but a significant act of cultural reclamation, recognition of past injustices, and a reaffirmation of national identity. It embodies the collective memory and resilience of the Ethiopian people, making it a momentous occasion for the country and its cultural heritage.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER 2024
