Ethiopia Welcomes Cultural Items Following a Century Stay in German Hands
A total of Twelve historical items were officially restored to Ethiopia after staying by a family in Germany for more than a century.
These treasures, initially acquired in the 1920's by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.
This collection included crowns, protective shields and canvases, each regarded as historically significant in Ethiopia.
"The items still serve as a mark of the lasting and friendly ties between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose parent was delivered during the household's assignment in the nation, presented the items at a event witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the household's intention to restore the items was to "showcase their appeal with the public and safeguard the heritage and past tied to my father's birth."
The artefacts were either considered donations or acquisitions, according to the family.
"I want to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for actively showing their profound appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully preserving these treasures and crucially securing their return to their legitimate homeland," stated the official.
The minister added that the pieces would soon be opened to the general audience for study and educational purposes, calling the decision a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Initiatives will continue to bring back historical artifacts that are held in the hands of private persons and institutions throughout the globe," she affirmed.
In the era of imperial control in Africa, many of historical objects were looted.
This call by the continent's states for the repatriation of looted items has been responded to by a degree of progress in recent years - although some objects are only on short-term display.
In 2022, Germany was the pioneering nation to repatriate some of the famous Benin artifacts to the West African nation as part of an effort to address its "troubled legacy."
Related Themes
- Cultural Return Efforts in Africa
- This Impact of Imperial Past on Contemporary African Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts
