Ethiopia Welcomes Historic Artefacts After a Long Stay in Germany

Around Twelve cultural artefacts have been officially restored to the Ethiopian nation after remaining by a German family for more than 100 years.

These treasures, initially collected in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

This set contained crowns, protective shields and canvases, each considered as historically important in Ethiopia.

"The treasures continue to stand as a symbol of the enduring and friendly connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the envoy to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose father was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, delivered the objects at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the family's aim to return the artefacts was to "share their splendor with the people and preserve the heritage and past connected to my parent's birth."

These items were either donations or buys, according to the relatives.

"I want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for concretely expressing their deep appreciation for the nation by diligently preserving these artifacts and importantly ensuring their return to their proper nation," commented the minister of tourism.

The minister added that the artefacts would soon be available to the general audience for study and academic study, calling the action a significant step in preserving the nation's national treasures.

"Actions will continue to repatriate historical objects that are held in the possession of collectors and organizations around the world," she said.

In the era of imperial control in the African continent, numerous of traditional artefacts were looted.

The demand by nations in Africa for the return of looted objects has been answered with some positive outcomes in recent years - even if a number of objects are just on temporary return.

In the year 2022, the German government was the pioneering nation to repatriate a selection of the famous Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to address its "troubled past."

Related Subjects

• Cultural Repatriation Efforts in the Continent
• This Effect of Colonial History on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Items