The East African nation Receives Valuable Treasures After a Century Residence in Germany
A total of 12 cultural artefacts were ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia following being kept by a household from Germany for in excess of 100 years.
The artefacts, first collected in the early twentieth century by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
This set featured crowns, shields and paintings, all considered as historically important in Ethiopia.
"These items still serve as a symbol of the long-standing and positive relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked Germany's envoy, the representative to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the household's assignment in the nation, delivered the objects at a gathering attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the household's intention to give back the items was to "showcase their appeal with the people and safeguard the heritage and past linked to my parent's beginning."
These artefacts were either gifts or buys, as stated by the family.
"We would like to thank the Weiss relatives for concretely expressing their deep appreciation for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these treasures and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their rightful country," said the official.
She added that the pieces would shortly be available to the people for research and scholarly work, terming the move a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Efforts are ongoing to bring back historical artifacts that are held in the possession of individuals and entities throughout the planet," the minister affirmed.
In the era of imperial control in Africa, numerous of historical items were looted.
This demand by nations in Africa for the restoration of looted objects has been answered with certain progress in recent years - although several objects are only on short-term display.
In two years ago, the German government was the first country to repatriate a portion of the renowned historical items to Nigeria in a bid to confront its "complex colonial history."
Related Themes
- Cultural Return Initiatives in Africa
- This Significance of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
- International Movements for the Restitution of Looted Treasures
