British Museum Faces Scrutiny Over Withheld Ethiopian Altar Tablets Information

The British Museum is currently under investigation by the UK's information watchdog for allegedly withholding crucial information about Ethiopian altar tablets, which have remained hidden in a sealed room for 150 years. These tablets, looted during the 1868 Battle of Magdala, are of immense religious significance to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, symbolizing the ark of the covenant.

This investigation follows a freedom of information request made in August 2023, aiming to shed light on the status and handling of these sacred artifacts. Despite ongoing discussions and requests from Ethiopia since 2019, many artifacts from the Battle of Magdala, including these altar tablets, have not been returned.

The altar tablets have never been displayed to the public and are considered so sacred that even the museum's curators and trustees do not have permission to view them. This raises significant ethical questions about the possession and accessibility of cultural artifacts looted during colonial times.

Why this matters: This investigation highlights the ongoing debate over the restitution of cultural artifacts acquired during colonial times, with significant implications for museums and cultural institutions worldwide. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for how institutions handle artifacts with complex and contested histories.

A 2018 report commissioned by French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted that 90% of Sub-Saharan Africa's cultural artifacts are housed in European and British museums. This statistic underscores the magnitude of cultural heritage that remains outside the continent, often acquired through colonial exploitation and conflict.

The ongoing investigation into the British Museum's handling of the Ethiopian altar tablets is a part of a broader, contentious debate over the restitution of cultural artifacts. As one commentator pointed out, *“Why should communities that were dispossessed of their cultural legacy, sometimes quite violently, have to prove they are deserving of objects that they never”* lost ownership of?

The symbolic and religious significance of these tablets to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church cannot be overstated. The church views the tablets as representations of the ark of the covenant, making their concealment and the museum's refusal to return them all the more contentious.

The British Museum's handling of this issue will likely influence future discussions on the restitution of cultural artifacts. As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen how the museum will respond to growing pressure for transparency and the potential return of these sacred items to Ethiopia.

In summary, the British Museum's alleged withholding of information about the Ethiopian altar tablets has sparked an investigation, highlighting the broader issue of cultural artifact restitution. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for how institutions handle artifacts acquired during colonial times.

Key Takeaways

• British Museum investigated for withholding info on Ethiopian altar tablets looted in 1868.
• Tablets symbolize the Ark of the Covenant, holding immense religious significance for Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
• Despite requests, tablets remain hidden, sparking debate on cultural artifact restitution.
• 90% of Sub-Saharan Africa's cultural artifacts are housed in European and British museums.
• Investigation outcome may set precedent for handling artifacts acquired during colonial times.