Hidden for 21 years, Ethiopian crown set to return homeThe ornate gilded copper crown, featuring images of Jesus and the Apostles, was unearthed after refugee-turned-Dutch-citizen Sirak Asfaw (L) contacted Dutch 'art detective' Arthur Brand (R)ROTTERDAM (NETHERLANDS) - A priceless 18th-century Ethiopian crown is set to be returned from the Netherlands to Addis Ababa after a one-time refugee found it in a suitcase and hid it in his apartment for two decades. Once settled in the Netherlands, Sirak used to receive a stream of Ethiopians including pilots and diplomats, along with people who had fled a continuous cycle of hardship in Africa's most ancient country. For 21 years the crown was hidden in his apartment as Ethiopia continued to be ruled by an iron-fisted one-party government. "It turns out that Sirak Asfaw had been the custodian of a rare 18th-century Ethiopian crown for the past 21 years and wants to give it back," said Brand. "This is Ethiopian cultural heritage, this is Ethiopia's identity and finally it feels good to give it back," said Sirak.

Source: Bangkok Post October 02, 2019 05:37 UTC