Haile Selassie’s grandson has bought an Ethiopian shield at an auction to return the artefact to its homeland.
The object, made of silver and animal hide, was stolen by British forces at the Battle of Magdala in 1868 and vanished into a private collection before emerging for sale in early 2024.
Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, the descendent of the last Ethiopian emperor, has bought the shield to prevent it from being lost again to a private owner.
The prince will return the historically significant artefact to Ethiopia, where it will be held in the nation’s national museum.
The sale follows a successful campaign by the Ethiopian government to prevent the £1,200 shield from being sold at auction by a Newcastle auction house.
It comes amid ongoing requests for national treasures to be returned by the UK.
Prince Ermias said: “This shield is not just a historical artefact; it is a symbol of Ethiopia’s history and resilience.
“Our efforts and success in regaining this treasure is a testament to our commitment to preserve our heritage and honour our ancestors who fought for our nation’s sovereignty.”
The object was bought through the Royal Ethiopian Trust, an organisation established by Prince Ermias to safeguard Ethiopia’s imperial heritage.
The prince is the son of the late Prince Sahle Selassie, who was the youngest child of Emperor Haile Selassie, who ruled Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974 when he was overthrown.
The emperor was a major figure in international affairs and fought against an Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1935 before being forced into wartime exile.
No Comment Found.