Ethiopia Takes Back Cultural Items After a Century Holding in German Hands
Exactly 12 historical artefacts were formally given back to the Ethiopian nation after remaining by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years.
The treasures, originally collected in the 1920's by Germany's representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were handed over on Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.
The collection included headpieces, protective shields and paintings, each viewed as culturally valuable in the nation.
"The treasures continue to serve as a emblem of the long-standing and friendly connection between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked Germany's envoy, the ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's service in the nation, handed over the objects at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He stated that the household's aim to return the items was to "share their appeal with the audience and maintain the culture and past linked to my father's beginning."
The objects were either considered donations or purchases, based on the family.
"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's household for concretely showing their profound appreciation for the nation by meticulously preserving these treasures and importantly securing their repatriation to their proper country," commented the minister of tourism.
She noted that the items would shortly be made accessible to the general audience for investigation and academic study, terming the action a significant step in safeguarding the nation's historical legacy.
"Efforts are ongoing to return ancient objects that are found in the possession of private persons and organizations throughout the globe," the minister said.
During imperial control in Africa, many of traditional artefacts were taken.
This request by the continent's states for the restoration of stolen objects has been answered with a degree of positive outcomes in the past few years - even if some objects are just on short-term display.
Back in 2022, the German government was the pioneering country to repatriate a portion of the well-known Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as part of an effort to deal with its "complex legacy."
Similar Topics
- Cultural Repatriation Efforts in the Continent
- This Effect of Colonial Past on Modern African Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Items
