Ethiopia Receives Valuable Artefacts Following a Century Holding in a German Family

Around Twelve historical objects were ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia following staying by a German family for in excess of a century.

The items, first acquired in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.

The assortment contained headpieces, armor and paintings, all regarded as culturally valuable in the nation.

"The items still serve as a mark of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to the East African country.

Professor a professor, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in the nation, presented the artefacts at a event joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the family's goal to give back the items was to "share their appeal with the public and preserve the heritage and history connected to my parent's birth."

The items were either considered donations or acquisitions, based on the household.

"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for actively demonstrating their profound appreciation for the nation by meticulously preserving these treasures and importantly guaranteeing their return to their rightful homeland," stated the tourism minister.

She noted that the items would in the near future be opened to the public for investigation and educational purposes, calling the action a significant step in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Initiatives persist to repatriate old artifacts that are held in the hands of individuals and entities all over the world," she stated.

During imperial control in the African continent, many of historical artefacts were plundered.

The demand by African countries for the return of taken items has been responded to by some positive outcomes in lately - though a number of items are only on loan.

In two years ago, Germany was the pioneering country to return a portion of the famous Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in a bid to deal with its "troubled past."

Similar Themes

• Historical Repatriation Movements in the Continent
• The Impact of Colonial Past on Modern African Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items