• Ethiopian treasures in London to return back home
ADDIS ABABA– Ministry of Culture and Tourism disclosed that the government is striving to bring back ancient Ethiopian treasures including nine replica of the arks of covenants as Ethiopian crown, made in 18th century was returned back home yesterday.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has received the crown in his office from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands.
The crown which was owned by an individual in Netherlands was illicitly transported during 1993.
During the handing over ceremony, Hirut Kasaw, Culture and Tourism Minister also said that many Ethiopian treasures are still under the hands of foreign individuals and state owned museums. “The recently retuned crown and hair of Emperor Tewodros, which returned last year, is an indication of ministry’s effort to recover artifacts”, she said.
Furthermore, the ministry is striving hard to return ancient Ethiopian church artifacts including nine replica of the arks, which are still in London, she added.
To her, the ministry is organizing dealings to collect and restore treasures which are still at the hands of individuals.
“We already got acceptance to recover treasures which named “Mekdela Collection” despite of some disagreements on the way of returning; which the current owners are claiming for borrowing means”.
She also indicated that the ministry is encouraging individuals who collect Ethiopian artifacts to open their own museums here in Ethiopia. To her, the ministry submitted its request of land for museums to the city administration and will transfer for museum builders if they come with Ethiopian treasures.
Sirak Asfaw, who lives in Netherlands for many years and saves the treasure for 21 years, said that the crown was saved by chance and able to returning its home. Adding, other individuals should be motivated to bring back such treasures.
The Ethiopian Herald February 21/2020
BY YESUF ENDRIS
