Ethiopia Receives Cultural Items Following a Century Stay in a German Family

Exactly Twelve historical items have been officially returned to Ethiopia following remaining by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years.

The treasures, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the research center at Addis Ababa University.

This set contained royal crowns, protective shields and paintings, all regarded as historically significant in the nation.

"These artefacts continue to stand as a symbol of the enduring and amicable connection between Germany and Ethiopia," stated the German diplomat, the envoy to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose father was born during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the family's intention to return the artefacts was to "display their appeal with the audience and maintain the heritage and history connected to my father's origin."

These objects were either considered gifts or acquisitions, as stated by the family.

"We would like to thank the Weiss household for concretely demonstrating their sincere affection for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these items and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their proper homeland," commented the official.

The minister added that the artefacts would in the near future be available to the people for research and educational purposes, calling the decision a significant step in safeguarding Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Actions persist to return old artifacts that are held in the hands of private persons and organizations around the world," she stated.

In the era of colonialism in Africa, thousands of traditional artefacts were taken.

The demand by the continent's states for the repatriation of taken objects has been met with certain success in lately - although several items are only on loan.

In two years ago, Germany was the initial country to give back a portion of the famous Benin artifacts to the West African nation in a bid to deal with its "complex legacy."

Connected Themes

• Historical Return Movements in the Continent
• This Significance of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Artefacts