Ethiopia Welcomes Valuable Artefacts Following a Long Holding in German Hands
Around 12 cultural artefacts were ceremoniously returned to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a German family for more than a century.
The treasures, first collected in the 1920's by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.
The collection contained royal crowns, shields and artistic works, all viewed as culturally significant in the country.
"The treasures still represent a emblem of the lasting and positive connection between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the representative to Ethiopia.
Professor a professor, whose parent was delivered during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the household's aim to restore the items was to "share their beauty with the public and maintain the culture and history connected to my parent's beginning."
These items were either considered presents or buys, based on the household.
"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for practically expressing their profound love for the nation by diligently maintaining these treasures and importantly guaranteeing their homecoming to their proper country," stated the minister of tourism.
The minister noted that the items would shortly be made accessible to the general audience for research and educational purposes, describing the move a landmark in safeguarding Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Actions will continue to bring back historical artifacts that are located in the possession of private persons and organizations throughout the world," the minister affirmed.
During colonial rule in Africa, numerous of cultural artefacts were taken.
The call by the continent's states for the return of stolen items has been answered with a degree of success in lately - though several items are only on temporary return.
Back in 2022, Germany was the pioneering state to return some of the well-known historical items to the West African nation in an attempt to deal with its "troubled colonial history."
Related Topics
- Historical Return Movements in Africa
- The Effect of Colonial Past on Contemporary African Culture
- International Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts