🔗 Share this article

A total of Twelve cultural artefacts have been officially restored to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years.

The treasures, originally collected in the early twentieth century by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.

This collection included headpieces, shields and canvases, each regarded as culturally valuable in the nation.

"The items continue to stand as a mark of the lasting and friendly connection between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," remarked Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose father was delivered during the family's service in Ethiopia, handed over the artefacts at a gathering witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He stated that the family's goal to return the items was to "display their appeal with the public and maintain the culture and history connected to my parent's birth."

The objects were either considered donations or purchases, based on the family.

"I would like to thank the Weiss relatives for actively showing their sincere love for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these items and importantly guaranteeing their homecoming to their legitimate country," commented the tourism minister.

The minister continued that the artefacts would in the near future be opened to the public for investigation and academic study, calling the move a landmark in protecting the nation's historical legacy.

"Actions are ongoing to repatriate old objects that are held in the possession of collectors and institutions throughout the planet," she affirmed.

During imperial control in the African continent, thousands of traditional objects were plundered.

This request by African countries for the return of stolen objects has been answered with certain success in recent years - even if several artefacts are only on loan.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the initial nation to return a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in an attempt to deal with its "dark colonial history."

Related Subjects

• Historical Restoration Efforts in Africa
• This Impact of Colonial Past on Modern African Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Artefacts