The East African nation Welcomes Historic Artefacts After a Long Residence in a German Family
A total of Twelve historical artefacts were formally given back to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a household from Germany for more than a century.
These items, first acquired in the 1920s by the German representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
The set contained headpieces, shields and artistic works, each considered as culturally important in Ethiopia.
"These artefacts still represent a emblem of the lasting and amicable connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said Germany's envoy, Germany's envoy to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a gathering witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He said that the household's goal to restore the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the people and safeguard the culture and history linked to my parent's origin."
These artefacts were either gifts or acquisitions, as stated by the family.
"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for actively demonstrating their deep love for the nation by diligently preserving these artifacts and crucially ensuring their repatriation to their rightful homeland," said the minister of tourism.
She added that the artefacts would soon be opened to the public for study and academic study, terming the move a landmark in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Actions will continue to bring back ancient artifacts that are held in the hands of private persons and organizations throughout the planet," the minister affirmed.
During imperial control in the African continent, numerous of historical objects were plundered.
The demand by nations in Africa for the return of taken artefacts has been answered with some progress in recent years - even if several objects are merely on loan.
In 2022, Germany was the initial state to return a portion of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in a bid to address its "troubled legacy."
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