9. Ethiopian Tabots
The Ethiopian Tabots are sacred altar tablets representing the Ark of the Covenant, looted by British forces during the 1868 Battle of Maqdala. These artifacts hold profound religious significance for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. Due to their sanctity, the British Museum has never displayed them publicly, and access is restricted to Ethiopian clergy. In 2019, Ethiopia’s Minister of Culture formally requested their return. In 2024, the British Museum faced an investigation for allegedly withholding information about these artifacts, highlighting ongoing debates over their restitution. (theguardian.com)
