The East African nation Welcomes Cultural Items After a Century Residence in Germany

A total of Twelve ancient artefacts have been formally restored to Ethiopia following staying by a family in Germany for in excess of a century.

The artefacts, originally acquired in the 1920s by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were handed over on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.

The collection included royal crowns, armor and canvases, all considered as culturally important in Ethiopia.

"These treasures still represent a emblem of the lasting and amicable connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, delivered the objects at a ceremony witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the family's goal to return the treasures was to "share their splendor with the public and maintain the heritage and history connected to my parent's birth."

The items were either considered presents or purchases, as stated by the family.

"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's household for concretely expressing their deep affection for Ethiopia by carefully safeguarding these treasures and importantly guaranteeing their return to their proper nation," said the minister of tourism.

The minister noted that the artefacts would in the near future be opened to the general audience for investigation and academic study, terming the decision a milestone in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.

"Actions persist to return old objects that are held in the custody of collectors and organizations all over the world," the minister stated.

In the era of colonialism in the African continent, many of traditional items were plundered.

The demand by nations in Africa for the return of stolen objects has been met with certain positive outcomes in lately - though a number of items are only on temporary return.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the first state to repatriate some of the renowned historical items to Nigeria in a bid to address its "dark colonial history."

Related Topics

• Historical Restoration Movements in the Continent
• The Impact of Colonial History on Modern African Heritage
• International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Treasures