Ethiopia Takes Back Valuable Artefacts After a Century Stay in a German Family

A total of 12 ancient objects were formally restored to Ethiopia after being kept by a household from Germany for more than a century.

The items, first gathered in the 1920's by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.

This assortment contained headpieces, protective shields and canvases, each viewed as historically significant in Ethiopia.

"The artefacts continue to serve as a symbol of the lasting and friendly ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to Ethiopia.

Dr. a professor, whose father was delivered during the family's assignment in the nation, handed over the artefacts at a gathering witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He explained that the household's goal to give back the items was to "showcase their appeal with the audience and preserve the culture and history connected to my father's origin."

These items were either donations or acquisitions, according to the family.

"We would like to express gratitude to the Weiss family for actively expressing their profound affection for the nation by diligently maintaining these items and crucially securing their repatriation to their rightful nation," stated the official.

The minister noted that the artefacts would shortly be opened to the public for investigation and scholarly work, calling the decision a milestone in preserving the nation's cultural heritage.

"Efforts are ongoing to repatriate ancient items that are held in the possession of private persons and organizations around the world," she said.

During colonialism in Africa, many of cultural items were plundered.

The call by nations in Africa for the repatriation of looted artefacts has been answered with a degree of success in lately - though several artefacts are only on short-term display.

In two years ago, the German government was the pioneering country to give back some of the renowned historical items to Nigeria as part of an effort to deal with its "troubled colonial history."

Similar Topics

• Historical Restoration Efforts in the Continent
• The Impact of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures