🔗 Share this article

Around 12 historical objects have been officially returned to Ethiopia following remaining by a German family for in excess of ten decades.

These items, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

This set included crowns, protective shields and artistic works, each considered as culturally significant in Ethiopia.

"The artefacts still stand as a emblem of the enduring and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.

Dr. a professor, whose parent was delivered during the family's service in the nation, presented the artefacts at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's intention to restore the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the audience and maintain the culture and past tied to my father's beginning."

These items were either donations or purchases, as stated by the family.

"I would like to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for concretely demonstrating their deep appreciation for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these artifacts and importantly guaranteeing their repatriation to their rightful country," commented the official.

The minister noted that the artefacts would shortly be made accessible to the public for study and educational purposes, describing the move a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Initiatives will continue to return historical artifacts that are held in the custody of private persons and institutions all over the globe," she said.

In the era of colonialism in Africa, many of traditional objects were taken.

This demand by African countries for the restoration of looted items has been responded to by certain success in recent years - though a number of artefacts are only on temporary return.

In the year 2022, the German government was the pioneering nation to return some of the famous Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "complex colonial history."

Similar Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Efforts in the Continent
• The Significance of Imperial Past on Modern African Culture
• International Movements for the Return of Stolen Items