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AFROMET - The Association for the Return of The Maqdala Ethiopian TreasuresDetail from the amulet of Emperor Tewodros
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Welcome to AFROMET

AFROMET press conference announcing the return of Emperor Tewodros's amulet 2002
AFROMET press conference announcing the
return of Emperor Tewodros's amulet 2002
AFROMET - The Association for the Return of The Maqdala Ethiopian Treasures - is an international organisation dedicated to retrieving priceless treasures looted during the British invasion of the country in 1867-8.

(You can find out more about the invasion and the stolen treasures in our history and treasure sections.)

Its main aims are to track down the missing loot and then campaign for its return to Ethiopia. The bulk of the plunder has ended up in institutions like the UK's British and Vicroria & Albert museums. Hundreds of other items were taken back to the UK by individual soldiers and remain in private homes and collections.

Members - who include many prominent academics, politicians and church leaders - see the looting of Maqdala as a major loss. They believe the return of the treasure would be a huge boost not only to students of the country's history and culture, but to Ethiopia's tourism industry (vital to the country's development).

Membership is free and open to all friends of Ethiopia. (Membership details)

AFROMET is also keen to hear from anyone who thinks they may have inherited or aquired anything taken from Maqdala. All returned items are received in a sprit of gratitude and friendship. They will also be given a place of honour in one of Ethiopia's churches or museums, including the widely- respected Institute of Ethiopian Studies in Addis Ababa. (Information on returning treasure)

The Association calls upon people of goodwill everywhere - particularly in Ethiopia and the UK - to support this pursuit of justice.
treasure count:
468 items
still missing
10 items
returned
(still counting)

contact members of the AFROMET team based in Addis Ababa and the UK.

read statements by everyone from UK Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone (1871) to the Daily Mail, supporting the return of the Maqdala treasure.

join the AFROMET campaign and receive updates on upcoming events, returns and launches.

take action - send an email to the British Museum, and other institutions, asking for the return of Ethiopia's cultural heritage.