There is nothing good about war and conflict. War is not all about losing the priceless life of humankind or infrastructure damage that cost huge amount of affluence. It is also about losing the inimitable historical and cultural heritages that cannot be regained with billions of dollars.
Cultural heritages are not only prone to destruction in times of war or conflict; they are also susceptible to illicit trafficking. Due to their financial returns, heritages and historical artifacts always attract the attention of organized criminals, terrorists, individual thieves and heritage collectors.
Lately, an International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property was marked by UNESCO for the 3rd time. The day was also marked here in Ethiopia for the first time at the premises of the Ethiopian Heritage Authority under the theme “Heritage is Identity. Don’t Steal it.”
Speaking at the event, Authority Deputy Director General, Hiwot Hailu, said that the day was marked by considering the cultural and identity impacts that may be caused by illicit trafficking of heritages. According to her, identifying causes of illicit trafficking and creating awareness among stakeholders with regard to preservation of heritages is one way of addressing the problem.
“Illicit heritage trafficking is one of the man-made causes of losing our heritages. For this reason, preserving, protecting and developing them and transferring them to the next generation is the duty of all stakeholders.”
Hiwot stressed that preserving and protecting heritages from all forms of illicit trafficking is the responsibility of every citizen, and this is well-defined in the Federal Constitution. Protecting natural resources and historical heritages is the duty and responsibility of every Ethiopian. “Let us together preserve and protect our remarkable heritages,” she urged.
On the event, a research paper entitled “Prevention of illicit heritage trafficking in Ethiopia” was presented by Cultural Heritage Inventory, Inspection and Grading Director, Desalegn Abebe. On the event, participants have raised several questions concerning heritage inventory, inspection and grading issues. What is more, awareness raising topics were discussed among participants including, measures that should be taken on those who breach the law concerning heritage protection.
The Ethiopian Heritage Authority has also acknowledged institutions and individuals who contributed a lot in the restitution of artifacts that were looted and illegally taken out of the country.
Among others, Melekot Tewahade, who exerted utmost effort in the restitution of the sword that belongs to Emperor Menelik and was used at battle of Adwa from the United States, and Ambassador Teferi Melese for returning artifacts that were looted by British soldiers from Mekdela as well as Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its efforts to restitute artifacts from various countries through coordinating embassies, are few.
Meanwhile, various artifacts that were in the hands of individuals were returned to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES).
As indicated by the local media, among the returned artifacts materials that used to be properties of the Ethiopian patriots who were resisting and fighting against the Fascist Italian force are included. The medal of Ras Abebe Aregay, an Ethiopian commander who led a group of fighters, during the five years fascist Italy occupation and a soft copy of his deeds during the war were among the artifacts the institute received.
According to the local media report, a painting that was drawn in the 17th century and an 18th-century manuscript were given to the Institute.
Appreciating the priceless gifts, IES Director, Dr. Takele Merid, said that the artifacts are living witnesses about what had happened at that time and can be used as sources for researches and for future studies.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
The Ethiopian Herald 24 November 2022
