A 19th-century gold hairpin, once belonging to Empress Tiruwork, wife of Emperor Tewodros II, is set to be returned to Ethiopia after 150 years. The artifact was taken during the British Expedition to Magdala in 1868 and has been a part of private collections ever since. The Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET) secured the hairpin through negotiations with an Italian auction house, ensuring its repatriation. The RET, a non-profit organization, aims to preserve and promote Ethiopian cultural heritage. This hairpin is one of thousands of artifacts seized by British troops after the Battle of Magdala, and its return is a significant step in the repatriation of Ethiopian cultural treasures. The Trust has previously secured the Magdala Shield, and this latest achievement is a testament to their collaborative efforts. The hairpin, preserved in its original velvet-lined presentation box, showcases 19th-century Ethiopian Imperial craftsmanship. It was linked to James Sinclair, Surgeon General of the British 33rd Regiment, and may have been present during Empress Tiruwork's final days. After a long journey, the hairpin is finally returning home, contributing to the broader scholarship surrounding the Magdala Expedition and the Imperial court of the mid-19th century. The RET is working with Ethiopian cultural authorities to house the hairpin permanently at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, where it will be displayed alongside the Magdala Shield, illuminating a pivotal moment in Ethiopian and global history. This repatriation highlights the importance of education and cross-cultural dialogue, as emphasized by RET Board Member Nicholas Melillo.
