The East African nation Receives Historic Treasures Following a 100-Year Stay in a German Family
A total of 12 cultural objects were officially returned to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a German family for more than 100 years.
These artefacts, initially acquired in the early twentieth century by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were delivered on midweek to the research center at Addis Ababa University.
The collection contained royal crowns, protective shields and canvases, each viewed as culturally important in Ethiopia.
"These items continue to stand as a symbol of the enduring and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, handed over the objects at a event witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He explained that the family's aim to restore the items was to "display their appeal with the audience and maintain the culture and history tied to my parent's birth."
These artefacts were either gifts or purchases, as stated by the household.
"I want to thank Professor Weiss's household for practically showing their deep love for the nation by diligently maintaining these treasures and vitally guaranteeing their return to their legitimate homeland," said the official.
The minister added that the pieces would soon be available to the people for study and educational purposes, calling the decision a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Initiatives persist to repatriate historical artifacts that are found in the possession of individuals and entities around the globe," she said.
During colonial rule in Africa, thousands of cultural items were looted.
This request by the continent's states for the restoration of stolen objects has been answered with a degree of success in recent years - even if some items are just on loan.
In two years ago, the German government was the first state to give back a selection of the renowned historical items to Nigeria in an attempt to confront its "dark colonial history."
Connected Topics
- Historical Return Initiatives in the Continent
- The Effect of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Items
