Ethiopia Takes Back Historic Artefacts Following a 100-Year Holding in Germany

Exactly 12 ancient items were ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a German family for in excess of 100 years.

These treasures, initially acquired in the early twentieth century by the German representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.

The set featured royal crowns, shields and paintings, all regarded as culturally important in the nation.

"The artefacts continue to stand as a mark of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated Germany's envoy, the representative to Ethiopia.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's assignment in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a gathering attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the family's aim to restore the artefacts was to "display their appeal with the audience and preserve the heritage and history tied to my parent's birth."

These items were either gifts or buys, as stated by the family.

"I would like to express gratitude to the Weiss family for actively expressing their sincere love for the nation by carefully preserving these artifacts and importantly ensuring their homecoming to their rightful country," commented the tourism minister.

The minister added that the artefacts would in the near future be available to the public for research and scholarly work, terming the decision a milestone in preserving the nation's national treasures.

"Initiatives are ongoing to bring back historical artifacts that are located in the custody of individuals and organizations all over the globe," she stated.

During colonial rule in Africa, numerous of historical objects were plundered.

This request by African countries for the restoration of stolen objects has been responded to by some positive outcomes in recent years - although several artefacts are only on temporary return.

Back in the year 2022, the German government was the initial nation to give back a portion of the famous historical items to the Nigerian people in a bid to confront its "dark past."

Related Themes

• Historical Repatriation Movements in the Continent
• The Significance of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• International Movements for the Restitution of Looted Items