It is pretty common for Ethiopian Orthodox Churches to have a claim of having an Ark of the Covenant. They are usually only reserved for the highest ranking member of the clergy to see. Ones that have been seen range from wood to copper sheets inscribed with the commandments. It is also not uncommon for this kind of story to pop up as religious news every decade or so as someone "discovers" a "secret" Ark hiding in an Ethopian Church because of claims by it's clergy or followers. The 'Sign and the Seal" has one such story in relation to Freemasonry. There are several others in print.