Ethiopia Receives Historic Artefacts After a Long Residence in a German Family
Exactly Twelve ancient artefacts have been officially given back to Ethiopia following remaining by a household from Germany for over a century.
The items, originally acquired in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife his partner, were handed over on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
This assortment included royal crowns, shields and artistic works, all viewed as historically valuable in the nation.
"The artefacts continue to stand as a emblem of the long-standing and amicable relationship between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked Germany's envoy, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's service in the nation, handed over the objects at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's intention to give back the artefacts was to "showcase their appeal with the audience and maintain the heritage and past tied to my father's origin."
The items were either gifts or acquisitions, based on the household.
"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for practically demonstrating their profound appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully safeguarding these items and importantly ensuring their return to their proper homeland," said the minister of tourism.
She noted that the pieces would shortly be opened to the general audience for investigation and academic study, describing the action a landmark in preserving Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Actions persist to repatriate ancient objects that are held in the hands of individuals and entities around the globe," she stated.
During colonialism in the African continent, many of cultural artefacts were plundered.
The request by the continent's states for the repatriation of stolen artefacts has been met with some progress in the past few years - even if a number of objects are just on short-term display.
Back in 2022, Germany was the initial nation to give back a selection of the famous Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to address its "complex past."
Similar Topics
- Cultural Return Efforts in the Continent
- This Impact of Imperial History on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
- International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items