THE ETHIOPIAN Heritage Authority has welcomed the withdrawal of an ancient shield from an auction in the United Kingdom.

Anderson and Garland had put a 19th Century Abyssinian shield up for auction on its website and said it was expected to sell for between £800 and £1,200.

The auction was scheduled to take place on 29 February at 10 am, but the auction house confirmed to The Voice,  the item has now been withdrawn.

In a statement, the Ethiopian Heritage Authority said: “This significant moment represents a further step forward in the Authority’s dedication to the protection and repatriation of Ethiopia’s looted cultural heritages, ensuring its preservation for both present and future generations.

“The Authority extends its deepest gratitude to campaigners in the UK, US and around the world, whose dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in bringing international attention to this important case, advocating for a moral resolution that rectifies a historical injustice.”

‘Looted treasures’

During the Battle of Maqdala (formerly Magdala) in 1868, British troops looted treasures and sacred manuscripts from northern Abyssinia – now Ethiopia.

Emperor Tewodros II reigned as Emperor between 1818 and 1868, and leading campaigners believe the shield could belong to the late Emperor.

The Authority added: “The Authority appreciates Anderson & Garland and the present custodians of the shield for their wise decision to withdraw the shield from the auction and start negotiations for its repatriation.

“In light of this encouraging development, the Ethiopian Heritage Authority is eager to initiate a constructive dialogue aimed at securing an outcome that will see this treasured item return to its homeland and its legitimate owners, the people and Government of Ethiopia.

The Authority said it is the legally mandated authority in charge of the “the preservation, protection and promotion of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.”

The group added that they will ensure “Ethiopia’s historical and cultural legacies at home and abroad are celebrated, understood and preserved for future generations.”

There is growing pressure on British museums and auction houses to return looted items back to countries in Africa.

Meanwhile, the British Museum told The Voice, it plans to lend sacred Ethiopian artefacts to a church in Britain.

The Museum failed to say if the items would be returned to East Africa.