October 10, 2005
Looted prop sword is returned
Here is a photo I took for a story about a looted Ethiopian sword that appeared in today's [London] Times. I'm not sure if they used it as the website doesn't include pictures.
It shows Professor Richard Pankhurst (L), vice chair of AFROMET, and Hasen Said (R), curator of the Museum of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies in Addis Ababa University, admiring the traditional curved nobleman's blade that has been returned to Ethiopia after being stolen by British troops during the Battle of Magdala in 1868.
Slowly, slowly the Magdala loot is coming back. So far, individuals have been the main returners. Things will really speed up when an institution like the British Museum joins in. There is more information on the whole Magdala campaign at www.afromet.org.
Here's the story:
Looted prop sword is returned - The Times Oct 10
A theatrical props company in London which has supplied items for all the James Bond films has returned a sword to Ethiopia after discovering it was looted by British troops in the 19th century.
It was part of the Magdala Ethiopian hoard, carvings, manuscripts and jewels taken during the British invasion of Ethiopia in 1868 to free missionaries held by Emperor Tewodros II.The sword, valued at £5,000, was discovered in the collection of the Trading Post, which has supplied props for the Bond films since Dr. No in 1962.
Posted by aheavens at October 10, 2005 8:49 AM