The East African nation Receives Historic Artefacts After a Long Stay in German Hands
A total of 12 ancient items have been formally restored to the Ethiopian nation after remaining by a German family for over 100 years.
The items, initially collected in the 1920s by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were delivered on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
The assortment included headpieces, protective shields and canvases, each viewed as culturally important in the country.
"These items still stand as a emblem of the long-standing and amicable connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to Ethiopia.
Professor a professor, whose parent was born during the household's service in the nation, handed over the items at a event witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He explained that the household's intention to return the items was to "showcase their appeal with the public and preserve the heritage and history tied to my father's birth."
These objects were either considered donations or purchases, according to the family.
"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss family for practically showing their sincere love for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these items and importantly securing their return to their rightful country," said the tourism minister.
The minister continued that the items would in the near future be available to the public for study and educational purposes, terming the action a milestone in safeguarding the nation's national treasures.
"Actions will continue to repatriate old objects that are held in the custody of individuals and organizations throughout the globe," she said.
During colonial rule in the African continent, thousands of traditional items were plundered.
This demand by nations in Africa for the return of stolen objects has been answered with a degree of progress in the past few years - even if some objects are only on loan.
Back in two years ago, the German government was the pioneering country to repatriate a selection of the renowned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in a bid to confront its "dark colonial history."
Similar Subjects
- Cultural Return Initiatives in the Continent
- This Impact of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts
