The collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum include a number of Ethiopian objects and images. Many of these are associated with a British military expedition undertaken to Ethiopia (then known as Abyssinia) in 1867-68, which ended with the ransacking of the Ethiopian Emperor's fortress at Magdala. Not all of the objects, however, are straightforward products of plunder. Indeed, the stories behind the acquisition of the photographs, textiles, jewellery, religious and other artefacts held by the V&A reveal a complex web of people, places and politics brought together by conflict. This article presents the stories which lie behind some of these objects and contrasts the personal experiences of those caught up in the conflict with the way in which the 'Abyssinian Expedition' was presented to the British public. This article highlights just some of the objects and images associated with the Expedition which can be found in the V&A's collections.
1956 James W. Washington, Jr.
limestone on wood base
16 1/2 x 6 5/8 x 9 3/4 in.
(42 x 16.9 x 24.8 cm)
Smithsonian American Art Museum,
painting by unknown artist
Height: 82.50 cm
Width: 142.50 cm
AD 1940-9
From Ethiopia
This painting shows a scene from the Battle of Adwa, fought between Ethiopia and Italy on 2 March 1896.
From Ethiopia, early 20th century
Embroidered with gold and silver thread, and pieces of brass and coloured glass
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