Not Just an Object, But a Sacred Object: The Case of the Magdala 1868 Collection

Abstract

This thesis will demonstrate the political, spiritual, social, and economic significance of the looted Magdala collection to the Ethiopian people. Looted by the British in 1868, the collection is Ethiopia’s cultural property that needs be returned to its native land. For, they are needed for political and economic advancement and are a vital religious component. In order to get a full understanding of the significance of the Magdala collection, a comprehensive story of Magdala, Abyssinia, and the vital parties involved must be expressed. My work supports the restitution of the Magdala collection with four main points: (1) The looted Magdala collection of 1868 are sacred religious and political treasures for the Ethiopian people; (2) Emperor Tewodros is a monumental historical figure with an everlasting impact on Ethiopian culture; (3) European countries justifications for keeping Ethiopian scared objects lack meaningful reasoning and demonstrates Eurocentric museum philosophies; (4) Laws and Treaties regarding the protection of cultural property emphasize that material culture is important for a community, but these laws and treaties need to be revisited or modified with the discussion of looted objects as the main priority.

The Magdala Collection is a complex set of artifacts which the story and history must be told in full: the participants, observers, and critiques of the 1868 Battle of Abyssinia are mentioned to show the full impact of their contributions to modern Ethiopian society. A great deal of this research emphasizes the background of Emperor Tewodros to exhibit the dominant presence he holds in modern-day Ethiopia. It should be noted that, the battle to restitute this collection is complex. However, it is a Human Right to be owners of one’s cultural property. Ethiopia has been denied the human right to be owners of their ancestors’ cultural property since 1868 creating an everlasting political, spiritual, social, and economic imbalance in Ethiopian society. The Magdala collection sheds light on the problematic relationship between objects and imperial history. Chapter 3 will explore how European nations noticed the significance of the Magdala collection. Next, it is the aim to show how the Magdala looted objects are scared. Finally, I will aim to show that European nations are fully aware of the importance of protecting significant cultural objects with the creation of laws and regulations geared to protect cultural property. Meanwhile, Chapter 4 will explore the controversial topic of object restitution in a modern context. The repatriation of the Magdala’s cultural property is beneficial and necessary for Ethiopia’s economic, social, and spiritual growth.