In a significant step toward cultural restitution, the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren has announced the formal return of three 14th-century Solomonic crosses to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. These intricately carved metal artifacts, central to Ethiopia's medieval religious history, were taken during the late 19th century. The museum’s decision follows a comprehensive provenance study that identified the items as looted property.
The return is part of a broader bilateral heritage agreement between Belgium and Ethiopia aimed at addressing colonial-era acquisitions. Ethiopian officials expressed gratitude, noting that the crosses are not merely historical objects but living spiritual symbols that will be reintegrated into active liturgical use at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa.