Royal Ethiopian Trust Announces Return of Historic 19th-Century Hairpin

The Royal Ethiopian Trust Marks a Cultural Milestone

On December 3, 2025, the Royal Ethiopian Trust (RET) made a momentous announcement: the acquisition and planned repatriation of a stunning 19th-century gold hairpin once belonging to Empress Tiruwork, the spouse of Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia. This hairpin, a significant artifact, will find its rightful place back in Ethiopia after over 150 years.

The Royal Ethiopian Trust, under the leadership of His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, aims to uphold and enhance the cultural, educational, and economic welfare of the Ethiopian populace. Established as a non-profit organization, RET has been pivotal in ensuring the preservation of Ethiopia's rich heritage.

The hairpin is particularly noteworthy as it is one of the many artifacts seized by British forces during the infamous battle of Magdala in 1868. After extensive negotiations with Bertolami Fine Art in Rome, the Trust successfully acquired this precious piece, thanks to the efforts of Prince Ermias and RET Board Member Nicholas Melillo. Their collaboration exemplifies the Trust's commitment to recovering lost artifacts and promoting cultural integrity.

Prince Ermias commented on the achievement, stating, "This repatriation demonstrates what can be accomplished when we choose to build bridges. Through collaboration grounded in trust and mutual respect, we can continue to ensure that significant Ethiopian cultural treasures are accessible for all Ethiopians—and for the world—to study, appreciate, and learn from." He expressed sincere gratitude towards the Bertolami Fine Art team and acknowledged the generous support of donors who made this restoration possible.

Furthermore, the significance of this return is amplified by the contribution of a dozen cultural artifacts by the Weiss family, which were previously gifted to and collected by them. Prince Ermias expressed his joy at seeing various groups unite to honor these important artifacts, ensuring they can be respected and appreciated by many.

The Empress Tiruwork hairpin represents an extraordinary example of 19th-century Ethiopian craftsmanship, preserved in its original velvet-lined box. The artifact bears a historical connection to James Sinclair, who served as Surgeon General of the British 33rd Regiment and was rumored to have been present during some of Empress Tiruwork's final days.

After remaining in various private collections for 150 years, the hairpin was recently identified at an auction in Rome, leading to its acquisition by RET. The anticipated repatriation of this stunning piece back to Ethiopia in early 2026 is not merely about cultural restitution. It symbolizes the broader narrative of Ethiopian history during the Magdala Expedition and the subsequent displacement of its treasures.

The hairpin will be housed at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa, where it will be displayed alongside the earlier-repatriated Magdala Shield. This display aims to shed light on one of the critical moments in Ethiopian and global history, while also promoting an understanding of the shared human experience.

Nicholas Melillo emphasized the importance of education in this context: "When we deepen our understanding of our shared human story, we pave the way for genuine dialogue and meaningful connections between cultures." The Royal Ethiopian Trust remains unwavering in its commitment to collaboration that fosters learning and cross-cultural respect.

About the Royal Ethiopian Trust

Founded by His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, the Royal Ethiopian Trust is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage and empowering its future. The Trust operates on the pillars of education, entrepreneurship, heritage preservation, and supporting the Ethiopian Crown as a national symbol. Through these efforts, RET envisions ensuring the prosperity, cultural vibrancy, and unity of Ethiopia and its people. For more information on the Trust's initiatives and projects, visit royalethiopiantrust.org.