Axum Stele

The Axum Stele, a monumental artifact symbolizing Ethiopia's ancient civilization, became central to a complex international restitution process involving Italy, Ethiopia, UNESCO, and the African Union. Its removal during Mussolini’s conquest and subsequent return highlight tensions between colonialism, international law, and cultural heritage politics. This study examines how such objects navigate legal frameworks and domestic significance, revealing the interplay of expert rule, internationalism, and the political uses of repatriated artifacts.

Lixinski, L. (2018). Axum Stele. International Law’s Objects, 130–140. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780198798200.003.0010