Ethiopia Receives Cultural Treasures After a Century Stay in a German Family
A total of 12 ancient items have been formally returned to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a household from Germany for over a century.
These artefacts, originally gathered in the 1920's by the German representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were handed over on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
The set included headpieces, shields and canvases, each regarded as historically significant in Ethiopia.
"The artefacts still serve as a emblem of the lasting and friendly relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said Germany's envoy, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the family's service in the nation, delivered the objects at a event attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the household's intention to return the artefacts was to "display their appeal with the public and safeguard the culture and past tied to my parent's birth."
The items were either considered presents or acquisitions, according to the household.
"We would like to express gratitude to the Weiss family for practically demonstrating their deep affection for the nation by carefully safeguarding these artifacts and vitally securing their homecoming to their proper homeland," said the official.
She noted that the artefacts would soon be available to the general audience for investigation and academic study, calling the action a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives will continue to bring back historical objects that are found in the custody of collectors and entities all over the planet," the minister affirmed.
In the era of imperial control in Africa, thousands of traditional objects were plundered.
This call by African countries for the restoration of taken items has been answered with a degree of success in lately - even if several items are only on temporary return.
Back in the year 2022, Germany was the pioneering state to repatriate a selection of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in a bid to deal with its "dark legacy."
Similar Themes
- Historical Restoration Efforts in the Continent
- This Impact of Colonial Past on Modern African Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Treasures
