politics
UK Regimental Museum Transfers Ethiopian Emperor Tewodros II Relics to Ethiopian Government
A lock of Emperor Tewodros II's hair and a bloodstained piece of his clothing, seized by British troops in 1868, were handed back during a ceremony in Lancaster. The current Lord Napier, descendant of the expedition's commander, presided and presented an additional gold bracelet. Ethiopian officials described the return as the first success in a campaign targeting British military museums.
May 13, 5:55 PM·2m read1 source
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Personal relics belonging to Ethiopian Emperor Tewodros II were handed back to Ethiopian authorities by the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum in Lancaster. The relics, consisting of a lock of Emperor Tewodros II's hair and a piece of his clothing bearing bloodstains, were transferred during a formal ceremony at the museum's headquarters.
The items were seized by British soldiers more than 150 years ago.
They were taken as battlefield trophies following the 1868 siege at the mountain stronghold of Magdala, where Tewodros II died during a confrontation with British imperial forces. Tewodros II shot himself with a pistol reportedly gifted to him by Queen Victoria after he had detained European hostages amid a diplomatic dispute.
The emperor had sought an alliance with Britain against Islamic forces in the region.
General Sir Robert Napier led British troops in the siege of Magdala in 1868. In the aftermath of the 1868 battle, soldiers stripped the hilltop stronghold of its royal and religious treasures. A British Museum official accompanied the military force to secure the most valuable pieces for national collections while troops from the King's Own Royal Regiment claimed the emperor's hair and bloodied garment as personal souvenirs.
The current Lord Napier presided over the handover ceremony. "My great-great-grandfather would be glad they are going back," Lord Napier said, referring to Gen Sir Robert Napier who led the original expedition. Lord Napier presented Ethiopian representatives with a gold bracelet from the campaign that had remained in his family as an heirloom.
