The East African nation Welcomes Cultural Artefacts Following a Long Holding in a German Family
Exactly Twelve ancient items have been officially returned to Ethiopia after staying by a household from Germany for over ten decades.
These treasures, originally acquired in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.
This set contained royal crowns, shields and artistic works, all viewed as historically valuable in Ethiopia.
"These treasures still stand as a mark of the long-standing and positive relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the representative to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a gathering witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's aim to return the items was to "showcase their splendor with the audience and preserve the heritage and past tied to my parent's beginning."
The objects were either donations or purchases, according to the relatives.
"I would like to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for practically expressing their deep appreciation for the nation by carefully preserving these artifacts and vitally securing their return to their rightful nation," stated the official.
The minister noted that the pieces would shortly be opened to the general audience for study and educational purposes, calling the action a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Initiatives persist to bring back ancient items that are located in the possession of individuals and entities all over the planet," she stated.
During imperial control in Africa, numerous of cultural artefacts were taken.
This request by African countries for the restoration of taken items has been met with a degree of progress in the past few years - although a number of artefacts are merely on temporary return.
In two years ago, Germany was the first country to give back a portion of the well-known Benin artifacts to Nigeria as part of an effort to deal with its "dark past."
Similar Topics
- Historical Repatriation Efforts in the Continent
- This Significance of Colonial History on Modern Ethiopian Culture
- International Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures
