The East African nation Receives Valuable Artefacts After a Century Residence in Germany
Around Twelve historical artefacts were formally restored to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a German family for more than 100 years.
These treasures, first acquired in the 1920s by the German representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
This set featured crowns, protective shields and artistic works, all considered as culturally important in the nation.
"These treasures still stand as a mark of the lasting and friendly relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, Germany's representative to Ethiopia.
Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the household's service in the nation, presented the items at a event witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the household's intention to return the items was to "display their appeal with the people and preserve the heritage and history connected to my father's beginning."
These objects were either considered gifts or purchases, based on the relatives.
"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's family for concretely showing their sincere appreciation for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these treasures and crucially guaranteeing their repatriation to their legitimate nation," stated the minister of tourism.
She noted that the pieces would shortly be made accessible to the people for investigation and educational purposes, describing the decision a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Efforts persist to return historical objects that are found in the custody of collectors and institutions throughout the planet," she said.
In the era of imperial control in Africa, many of cultural artefacts were looted.
This demand by African countries for the restoration of stolen items has been met with a degree of success in the past few years - although several objects are merely on loan.
In the year 2022, Germany was the first state to repatriate a selection of the well-known historical items to Nigeria as part of an effort to confront its "troubled colonial history."
Related Themes
- Historical Repatriation Initiatives in Africa
- The Effect of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items
