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Around 12 ancient objects have been ceremoniously given back to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a household from Germany for over ten decades.

These artefacts, first gathered in the 1920's by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.

The collection featured crowns, protective shields and paintings, all viewed as historically important in Ethiopia.

"The treasures still stand as a emblem of the lasting and friendly connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.

Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the household's service in the nation, delivered the objects at a event witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He said that the family's intention to give back the treasures was to "display their appeal with the audience and maintain the heritage and past linked to my parent's origin."

The artefacts were either presents or buys, according to the family.

"We would like to thank the Weiss family for concretely demonstrating their sincere love for the nation by carefully preserving these artifacts and vitally guaranteeing their return to their legitimate nation," said the official.

The minister noted that the items would in the near future be available to the general audience for investigation and educational purposes, terming the action a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Efforts will continue to repatriate ancient items that are found in the possession of individuals and institutions throughout the world," she said.

In the era of imperial control in Africa, numerous of historical artefacts were plundered.

The request by the continent's states for the return of stolen objects has been answered with certain positive outcomes in recent years - although a number of items are merely on temporary return.

In 2022, the German government was the first country to give back a selection of the renowned Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people in an attempt to address its "complex legacy."

Connected Topics

• Historical Repatriation Efforts in Africa
• The Effect of Imperial History on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• Global Movements for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts