Stolen biblical manuscripts to be returned to Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, Feb 11 (AFP) — Two pages of historic manuscripts stolen from an ancient Ethiopian kingdom by British soldiers in the 19th century are to be returned to the Horn of Africa country next week, officials said Friday.

“The great nephew of one of these soldiers, a member of the British legal establishment who inherited these 18th century manuscripts decided to give them back to Ethiopia,” said Richard Panckhurst, an Ethiopian history expert.

“They will be brought back by a traveller, who will arrive next week,” he said.

“In 1868, British troops looted the city of Magdela, the capital of emperor Theodor of Ethiopia. Three hundred and fifty manuscripts, two crowns and two tents were stolen,” Panckhurst explained.

The two pages, which contain illustrations from Biblical stories, were ripped out by soldiers who could not carry the heavy volume.

“It is important because these pages are very beautiful but also because it is an example for the British authorities, who have not yet started returning the looted items,” he added.

Ethiopia has for many years fought for the return of an obelisk stolen from the northern town of Axum when the country was occupied by the Italians in 1937.

Italy is yet to return the artifacts, which have been in Rome since 1937. The obelisk was broken down into three pieces for easy transportation, but has not yet been brought back to Ethiopia because of bureaucratic wrangling.

Last December, authorities in Ethiopia said the monument, weighing more than 150 tons, was to be in the country by April.