Back in Ethiopia: the middle section of the obelisk is the first to return after 68 years. Photo © Andrew Heavens.

The repatriation of the first section of the Axum obelisk on Tuesday 19th April was greeted with joyous celebrations in Ethiopia.

There were great celebrations when the first piece arrived on Tuesday morning with crowds cheering as the Antonov plane came into view, and applause as it landed. A crowd of 200 specially invited VIPs stood on the runway watching the two cranes prepare to move the section of the obelisk. Later that day large crowds of more than 50,000 residents, high officials and other guests lined the streets to watch traditional dancers celebrate in Axum. 

The decorated 78 foot high obelisk is regarded as one of Ethiopia's national treasures and an exceptional example of architecture from the ancient city of Axum, itself seen as one of the four great kingdoms of the ancient world. It stood for years outside the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome, despite an Italian commitment to send it back to Ethiopia.

The State Minister for Information, Netsannet Asfaw, said: "I feel it's almost not real, I'm so happy. It's been so long."

"My parents have hoped for it. Every Ethiopian has hoped for it. Now we are lucky enough to receive it. It's something that is our identity, it is who we are. We are very grateful to the Italian people and the Italian government to decide to give it back to who it belongs."

In a press statement, the Ministry of Information welcomed the return of the ancient artefact, saying that it was “a source of joy and pride not only to Ethiopia but also to Africa” and went into to commend the government and people of Italy for their support.

The Ministry also thanked Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for his “great sense of responsibility” and identified the repatriation as a “new chapter in Ethio-Italian relations.”

The Ministry went on to express its gratefulness to all Ethiopians, African friends of Ethiopia and those people around the world for their contribution toward the return of the Axum obelisk.

ENDS

With special thanks to Andrew Heavens.