The East African nation Receives Cultural Items After a Long Holding in German Hands

Around 12 historical objects have been officially restored to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a household from Germany for over a century.

The treasures, originally acquired in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

This assortment contained royal crowns, armor and artistic works, all viewed as culturally valuable in the nation.

"These treasures still serve as a emblem of the enduring and friendly ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's assignment in the nation, presented the artefacts at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He explained that the family's intention to return the items was to "display their beauty with the people and maintain the heritage and past tied to my father's origin."

These objects were either considered donations or buys, as stated by the family.

"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for concretely showing their deep affection for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these treasures and crucially securing their return to their legitimate homeland," said the minister of tourism.

She added that the artefacts would shortly be available to the people for research and educational purposes, terming the move a landmark in safeguarding the nation's historical legacy.

"Efforts will continue to repatriate ancient items that are found in the custody of individuals and organizations all over the planet," the minister stated.

In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of historical objects were looted.

The call by nations in Africa for the repatriation of taken artefacts has been responded to by some positive outcomes in the past few years - though several artefacts are merely on temporary return.

In two years ago, the German government was the first nation to repatriate some of the renowned Benin artifacts to Nigeria in an attempt to deal with its "dark past."

Connected Topics

• Historical Return Movements in Africa
• The Significance of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures