Ethiopia Receives Historic Treasures Following a Long Holding in German Hands
Around 12 cultural artefacts were ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a household from Germany for more than ten decades.
The items, first collected in the 1920s by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
This collection featured crowns, armor and canvases, all regarded as culturally significant in the country.
"The treasures still stand as a emblem of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.
Professor a professor, whose father was delivered during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the artefacts at a event joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the family's intention to return the artefacts was to "share their beauty with the public and maintain the culture and past connected to my parent's origin."
These items were either considered presents or buys, as stated by the household.
"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for practically expressing their deep appreciation for the nation by carefully preserving these artifacts and importantly securing their repatriation to their rightful homeland," said the official.
The minister added that the items would in the near future be made accessible to the general audience for research and academic study, terming the action a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Actions will continue to repatriate historical artifacts that are found in the possession of private persons and organizations throughout the world," she affirmed.
In the era of colonial rule in Africa, thousands of historical objects were looted.
The call by nations in Africa for the repatriation of looted objects has been met with a degree of positive outcomes in lately - even if a number of items are merely on loan.
Back in the year 2022, Germany was the pioneering state to give back a selection of the well-known Benin artifacts to Nigeria in a bid to deal with its "complex past."
Similar Subjects
- Historical Return Efforts in Africa
- The Significance of Colonial Past on Contemporary African Culture
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts
