Family’s Mission to Retrieve Gold Medal
The descendants of Ras Desta Damtew, a prominent figure in Ethiopia’s resistance against European imperialism, are on a mission to reclaim a gold medal that was taken from him by Italian troops. This medal, the Imperial Order of the Star of Ethiopia, holds immense historical significance as it symbolizes the bravery and defiance of Damtew against fascist Italy’s occupation of Ethiopia. The medal was recently put up for sale at an online auction, sparking outrage and determination within Damtew’s family to bring it back where it belongs.
Historical Context and Significance of the Medal
Ras Desta Damtew, a son-in-law of Emperor Haile Selassie and a guerrilla army commander, played a crucial role in Ethiopia’s resistance against Italian forces in the late 1930s. His capture and execution in 1937 marked a turning point in Ethiopia’s fight against European imperialism. The medal, previously in Damtew’s possession, resurfaced at an online auction earlier this month, shedding light on its controversial provenance.
According to James De Lorenzi, an associate history professor, the removal of the medal from Ethiopia can be directly linked to an alleged war crime committed during Damtew’s capture and subsequent execution by Italian officers. The historical context surrounding the medal underscores the urgency and moral obligation to return it to its rightful place.
Legal Battle and International Implications
The family’s lawyer, Chris Marinello, an art restitution expert, is working pro bono to help the family retrieve the medal. Despite initial resistance from the auction house, the medal failed to meet the minimum price at the auction, leading to direct negotiations between its current owner and Damtew’s family. Marinello’s efforts, coupled with the family’s determination, highlight the legal battle and international implications surrounding the restitution of cultural artifacts with contentious provenance.
Restitution and Legacy
For Damtew’s descendants, the retrieval of the Imperial Order of the Star of Ethiopia is not just about reclaiming a valuable artifact but also honoring their ancestor’s legacy and the broader history of Ethiopian resistance to colonialism. Laly Kassa, one of Damtew’s granddaughters, expressed the family’s unequivocal stance on publicly displaying the medal at the National Museum of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa. This act of restitution carries profound cultural and symbolic significance, underscoring the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate Ethiopia’s rich heritage.
In a world where historical artifacts often carry complex and painful narratives, the quest to reclaim the gold medal represents a poignant chapter in Ethiopia’s history of resistance, resilience, and cultural preservation. As Damtew’s family continues their fight for justice and remembrance, the significance of returning the medal to its rightful place transcends mere ownership, embodying a profound commitment to honoring the past and shaping a more equitable future.
