Ethiopia Takes Back Cultural Treasures Following a Long Stay in Germany
Exactly Twelve ancient artefacts were officially returned to Ethiopia after remaining by a family in Germany for more than a century.
The items, first collected in the 1920's by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.
The assortment featured royal crowns, shields and artistic works, each regarded as historically significant in Ethiopia.
"These artefacts continue to serve as a symbol of the long-standing and positive relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated Germany's envoy, the ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose parent was delivered during the household's service in the nation, presented the objects at a event attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's aim to return the treasures was to "share their splendor with the public and maintain the culture and history linked to my father's origin."
The objects were either gifts or acquisitions, as stated by the relatives.
"I want to thank the Weiss family for actively showing their deep love for Ethiopia by meticulously safeguarding these items and crucially guaranteeing their repatriation to their rightful homeland," said the official.
The minister added that the items would shortly be made accessible to the general audience for investigation and scholarly work, terming the move a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Initiatives are ongoing to bring back old objects that are found in the custody of individuals and entities throughout the globe," the minister said.
During colonialism in Africa, many of cultural objects were plundered.
This demand by the continent's states for the restoration of looted artefacts has been met with certain progress in the past few years - though some objects are merely on short-term display.
Back in 2022, Germany was the first country to give back a selection of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in a bid to deal with its "complex colonial history."
Similar Topics
- Historical Return Movements in Africa
- The Effect of Imperial History on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Artefacts
