Ethiopia Takes Back Valuable Artefacts Following a 100-Year Holding in German Hands
Exactly Twelve ancient items have been formally given back to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for over 100 years.
These items, originally acquired in the 1920's by Germany's diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were handed over on Wednesday to the research center at Addis Ababa University.
The collection featured royal crowns, protective shields and paintings, each regarded as historically significant in Ethiopia.
"The artefacts continue to represent a symbol of the enduring and positive connection between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the envoy to the East African country.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the items at a event witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He stated that the household's goal to return the artefacts was to "display their beauty with the public and safeguard the heritage and past connected to my father's beginning."
The objects were either gifts or purchases, according to the household.
"I want to thank Professor Weiss's family for actively demonstrating their sincere love for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these items and vitally ensuring their homecoming to their rightful homeland," commented the minister of tourism.
She noted that the artefacts would shortly be available to the public for study and academic study, describing the action a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Efforts are ongoing to bring back historical objects that are found in the custody of individuals and institutions throughout the planet," she said.
In the era of colonialism in Africa, numerous of cultural items were plundered.
The request by the continent's states for the restoration of stolen objects has been answered with some success in the past few years - although a number of objects are just on short-term display.
Back in the year 2022, Germany was the pioneering country to return a selection of the well-known Benin artifacts to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "troubled legacy."
Similar Topics
- Historical Restoration Movements in the Continent
- The Significance of Colonial History on Modern African Heritage
- International Movements for the Restitution of Looted Treasures
