Around Twelve cultural items have been ceremoniously returned to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a German family for over 100 years.
The artefacts, first acquired in the 1920's by the German then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
This assortment featured royal crowns, armor and artistic works, each considered as historically valuable in the nation.
"These artefacts continue to serve as a mark of the long-standing and positive ties between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's envoy to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose parent was delivered during the family's service in the nation, presented the items at a gathering joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the household's aim to restore the items was to "share their beauty with the public and maintain the culture and history tied to my parent's beginning."
These objects were either considered donations or buys, as stated by the family.
"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for actively demonstrating their sincere love for Ethiopia by carefully maintaining these artifacts and importantly ensuring their return to their proper homeland," said the official.
She added that the items would shortly be available to the people for study and academic study, terming the decision a significant step in protecting the nation's national treasures.
"Efforts are ongoing to repatriate historical artifacts that are found in the custody of collectors and organizations throughout the world," the minister stated.
In the era of imperial control in the African continent, numerous of traditional objects were taken.
This request by nations in Africa for the restoration of looted objects has been met with a degree of positive outcomes in recent years - even if some items are merely on short-term display.
Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering country to repatriate a portion of the well-known Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "complex legacy."
Similar Subjects
- Historical Repatriation Movements in Africa
- This Effect of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Movements for the Return of Looted Items
