The East African nation Receives Historic Treasures After a Long Residence in a German Family
A total of Twelve historical artefacts have been formally restored to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a German family for more than a century.
The artefacts, originally gathered in the 1920s by Germany's diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
The assortment featured headpieces, shields and canvases, each considered as historically important in the nation.
"These treasures continue to stand as a symbol of the long-standing and friendly connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the envoy to Ethiopia.
Professor a professor, whose parent was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a ceremony witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He stated that the family's intention to restore the items was to "display their beauty with the audience and maintain the heritage and past linked to my father's birth."
The items were either considered presents or acquisitions, based on the family.
"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for actively showing their sincere love for Ethiopia by diligently preserving these treasures and crucially securing their repatriation to their rightful homeland," stated the official.
The minister continued that the pieces would in the near future be made accessible to the general audience for study and educational purposes, describing the move a significant step in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Actions will continue to return ancient objects that are held in the hands of private persons and institutions around the world," she affirmed.
During colonialism in the African continent, many of historical artefacts were taken.
This call by African countries for the repatriation of taken items has been responded to by certain positive outcomes in recent years - though some artefacts are only on short-term display.
Back in 2022, the German government was the pioneering country to return some of the famous Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in a bid to address its "troubled past."
Similar Subjects
- Historical Return Initiatives in Africa
- The Impact of Imperial History on Modern African Heritage
- International Movements for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts
