12. The Maqdala Treasures
The Maqdala Treasures encompass a vast collection of artifacts, including crowns, manuscripts, and religious items, looted by British forces during the 1868 Battle of Maqdala in Ethiopia. These items hold profound cultural and religious significance for the Ethiopian people (tigraionline.com). Over the years, Ethiopia has persistently called for their return. In 2021, the Scheherazade Foundation facilitated the repatriation of several artifacts, marking a significant step in restitution efforts. However, many items remain in British institutions, with ongoing debates about their rightful ownership and the ethics of colonial acquisitions.
