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
Comments
First of all, I want to say welcome come back…you have been missed. Next time, please don’t vanish without notice so there won’t be any controversy as to what happen to you.
I can’t believe the Brits actually stole a sword. But I’m glad it’s returned back to Ethiopia. I know that a lot of Treasures taken from Maqdala are still missing. The manuscripts, crowns, crosses, etc. Hope to hear more items returned back to Ethiopia.
cheers!
Posted by: abyssinia at October 10, 2005 7:50 PM
Hi Andrew,
What is going on? EPRDF threatening even the ferengis from disseminating information? Please come back often to post on what is going on in Et.
Take care...
Posted by: dinbulo at October 19, 2005 4:45 PM
I am no sword expert or collector. However, I own an eBay store (Nautical Joe's) and a client would like me to sell his curved Russian made Eithopian sword & Scabbord. Looks very old, however, is in very good condition. He believes is between 100 - 150 years old. Rihno Horn (Grip)Handle with decorative dome end piece. With sword laying flat on table with Grip to the right, the letters "H.M." Etched on one side of blade near grip with a 4 inch long floral design directly to the left. On the other side is what appears to be a double headed eagle with a crown near grip and the same floral design to the left. Can you tell me - then prove to me that this sword may have been stolen by British Troops during the Battle of Magdala in 1868? I can send pictures. You must expedite a responce, owner is anxious to sell and I am under pressure to assist him. He does have proof of ownership from auction. Thank you.
Posted by: Joe McDonald at December 4, 2006 12:45 PM