BBC News Online: World: Africa

Ethiopian artefact found in cupboard

Reverend McLuckie recognised the tabot from his time in Ethiopia

The wooden tabot, or tablet, represents the ark of the covenant and is sacred to Ethiopia's Orthodox Christians.

The Ethiopian Charge d'Affaires in London, Fisseha Adugna, said the country had lost much of its inheritance and described the handing back of the tabot as a significant act.

The tabot is a 6" square carved with an Ethiopian inscription.

Looted

It was found in a cupboard at Edinburgh's St John's Episcopal Church

The minister who found it, Reverend John McLuckie, had lived in Ethiopia and recognised its religious significance.

He checked with experts and discovered it had been stolen by British soldiers after they had invaded Ethiopia, which they called Abyssinia, in the 1860s after a diplomatic dispute.

Rev McLuckie said: "It was very exciting because I knew it was an object of great significance and holiness.

"I was also slightly surprised that we had one and slightly shocked that we should be keeping it in a cupboard when it is something of such significance to Ethiopian Christians."

The country has been campaigning for the return of hundreds of precious manuscripts, crowns and other sacred items ever since.

Church officials will hand the tabot back at a ceremony due to take place in Edinburgh at the beginning of next year.