From TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART
In celebration of the Toledo Museum of Art’s exhibition “Ethiopia at the Crossroads,” the Royal Ethiopian Trust has honored TMA as the sole U.S. venue for the display of the Shield of Magdala—an artifact of immense significance, looted following the Battle of Magdala during the 1868 British Expedition to Abyssinia.
On view in Toledo fthrough Sunday, Oct. 27 in Gallery 28. the shield will return to Ethiopia later this month for the first time in over 150 years.
A panel discussion “Returning the Shield of Magdala: A Conversation on Heritage and History, “ will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, 2-5 p.m., in the GlasSalon, Glass Pavilion. His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie I, and Ethiopian scholar Alula Pankhurst will explore how objects like the Shield of Magdala, along with others showcased in “Ethiopia at the Crossroads,” serve as powerful symbols of history, shaping collective memory, and cultural identity.
Sophie Ong, assistant director of strategic initiatives at TMA, will moderate the conversation.
Visitors can register for this free event at toledomuseum.org/events.
