The East African nation Welcomes Valuable Artefacts Following a Long Holding in a German Family

Around Twelve ancient artefacts have been officially given back to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for more than 100 years.

The treasures, first collected in the 1920s by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.

The collection featured headpieces, armor and paintings, all regarded as historically significant in Ethiopia.

"The items continue to stand as a emblem of the enduring and positive connection between Germany and Ethiopia," said the German diplomat, Germany's envoy to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the family's diplomatic posting in the nation, presented the items at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the household's aim to return the items was to "showcase their splendor with the people and preserve the culture and history connected to my parent's birth."

The objects were either donations or acquisitions, according to the relatives.

"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for concretely expressing their deep love for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these treasures and vitally guaranteeing their return to their rightful nation," said the tourism minister.

She continued that the artefacts would shortly be available to the people for study and educational purposes, describing the decision a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Efforts are ongoing to bring back old items that are located in the hands of private persons and institutions around the globe," she said.

In the era of imperial control in the African continent, numerous of cultural objects were looted.

This demand by nations in Africa for the repatriation of taken artefacts has been met with a degree of positive outcomes in recent years - although several artefacts are just on loan.

Back in the year 2022, the German government was the pioneering state to return some of the renowned historical items to the West African nation in an attempt to deal with its "complex past."

Connected Topics

• Historical Return Initiatives in Africa
• This Significance of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts