What: Vestments, said to be the robe of the Abuna of Ethiopia, made of white and red silk satin with embroidery in gold thread

Where: The Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL

The catalogue entry reads:

“Sleeveless, hooded white satin robe. It is is decorated with an applied piece of crimson satin embroidered in gold and silver thread and pearls. There are embroidered inscriptions in Arabic on the hood, and Coptic on the red satin.”

Object history note: Purchased for £10, from R D Kempe. Said to have been taken at the Battle of Magdala. 

Date: ca. 1748 (made)

Museum number: 1424-1870