Ethiopia Receives Historic Items Following a Long Holding in a German Family
Exactly Twelve cultural items have been officially given back to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a German family for over 100 years.
The artefacts, first collected in the early twentieth century by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.
This collection featured crowns, protective shields and canvases, all considered as culturally important in Ethiopia.
"These treasures still serve as a mark of the lasting and amicable ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the household's diplomatic posting in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's goal to give back the treasures was to "showcase their beauty with the public and maintain the heritage and past linked to my parent's origin."
The objects were either considered gifts or purchases, based on the relatives.
"We want to thank Professor Weiss's household for actively demonstrating their deep love for Ethiopia by carefully maintaining these items and vitally ensuring their repatriation to their legitimate country," said the official.
The minister added that the pieces would soon be opened to the people for study and scholarly work, describing the decision a significant step in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives are ongoing to repatriate old artifacts that are held in the possession of collectors and entities all over the globe," the minister stated.
In the era of colonialism in Africa, thousands of historical artefacts were looted.
This demand by African countries for the repatriation of stolen objects has been responded to by a degree of success in lately - though some items are just on loan.
Back in 2022, Germany was the initial country to repatriate a portion of the famous Benin artifacts to Nigeria as part of an effort to deal with its "troubled colonial history."
Related Topics
- Historical Repatriation Movements in the Continent
- This Effect of Colonial Past on Contemporary African Heritage
- Global Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures
