Ethiopia Welcomes Historic Artefacts Following a 100-Year Residence in German Hands

Exactly Twelve historical items were ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia after remaining by a household from Germany for in excess of ten decades.

The treasures, initially collected in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.

This set featured royal crowns, shields and artistic works, all considered as culturally significant in Ethiopia.

"These artefacts still represent a mark of the enduring and positive connection between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the ambassador to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the family's service in Ethiopia, delivered the artefacts at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the family's aim to restore the artefacts was to "share their splendor with the public and maintain the heritage and history linked to my parent's beginning."

These items were either considered donations or acquisitions, based on the family.

"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for practically showing their profound appreciation for the nation by diligently preserving these treasures and importantly ensuring their repatriation to their legitimate country," commented the tourism minister.

The minister added that the pieces would shortly be opened to the public for research and educational purposes, describing the action a significant step in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Initiatives persist to repatriate historical items that are located in the hands of collectors and institutions throughout the globe," she affirmed.

During colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of historical artefacts were looted.

This demand by African countries for the repatriation of taken objects has been answered with certain positive outcomes in lately - though some items are just on short-term display.

In 2022, the German government was the first state to repatriate some of the famous Benin artifacts to Nigeria in a bid to address its "complex legacy."

Related Topics

• Cultural Return Efforts in the Continent
• This Effect of Imperial History on Modern African Heritage
• International Movements for the Return of Stolen Treasures