The East African nation Welcomes Valuable Treasures Following a 100-Year Holding in Germany
Exactly 12 cultural items have been formally restored to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for over ten decades.
These items, initially gathered in the 1920's by Germany's representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the research center at the capital's university.
The assortment contained headpieces, protective shields and canvases, each considered as culturally important in the nation.
"These artefacts still serve as a symbol of the lasting and positive relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," stated the German diplomat, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's service in the nation, handed over the artefacts at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the household's goal to return the artefacts was to "share their appeal with the public and safeguard the heritage and past linked to my father's origin."
These items were either presents or purchases, based on the family.
"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's family for practically expressing their deep affection for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these treasures and crucially guaranteeing their repatriation to their proper nation," stated the minister of tourism.
The minister noted that the pieces would soon be available to the people for study and scholarly work, describing the move a milestone in preserving the nation's national treasures.
"Efforts will continue to return old artifacts that are held in the custody of collectors and institutions around the planet," she affirmed.
During imperial control in the African continent, numerous of historical items were taken.
The request by nations in Africa for the restoration of taken artefacts has been responded to by a degree of progress in the past few years - though a number of items are just on temporary return.
In the year 2022, the German government was the first country to repatriate a selection of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in a bid to confront its "troubled legacy."
Similar Themes
- Historical Repatriation Initiatives in Africa
- The Impact of Colonial History on Modern African Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Artefacts
