The East African nation Receives Valuable Artefacts Following a Century Stay in Germany
Around 12 ancient items have been formally restored to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a family in Germany for more than a century.
The treasures, first collected in the early twentieth century by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The assortment contained royal crowns, protective shields and artistic works, each considered as historically important in the country.
"The artefacts continue to serve as a symbol of the enduring and friendly connection between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said the German diplomat, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the family's assignment in the nation, delivered the items at a gathering joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He explained that the household's aim to restore the treasures was to "showcase their splendor with the public and maintain the heritage and past connected to my father's beginning."
The objects were either presents or purchases, as stated by the household.
"We want to thank Professor Weiss's family for concretely demonstrating their sincere love for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these treasures and importantly ensuring their homecoming to their proper country," stated the official.
She continued that the artefacts would soon be opened to the general audience for research and educational purposes, calling the move a milestone in safeguarding the nation's historical legacy.
"Actions persist to return old objects that are held in the hands of private persons and organizations throughout the world," the minister said.
In the era of imperial control in the African continent, many of traditional artefacts were looted.
This call by African countries for the return of looted items has been answered with a degree of progress in lately - although some artefacts are just on short-term display.
Back in 2022, Germany was the first country to repatriate a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in an attempt to address its "dark legacy."
Related Topics
- Historical Return Initiatives in the Continent
- This Impact of Imperial History on Contemporary African Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Treasures