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Around 12 historical items have been officially returned to Ethiopia after remaining by a German family for in excess of a century.

These items, originally acquired in the 1920s by the German diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were transferred on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.

The assortment contained headpieces, armor and artistic works, each considered as historically valuable in the nation.

"The treasures continue to serve as a mark of the lasting and positive relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated Germany's envoy, Germany's representative to Ethiopia.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the household's service in Ethiopia, handed over the objects at a event witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the family's intention to return the treasures was to "share their appeal with the people and maintain the culture and past linked to my father's beginning."

These objects were either considered gifts or purchases, based on the family.

"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss household for actively showing their deep affection for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these treasures and importantly ensuring their homecoming to their proper country," said the official.

The minister noted that the items would shortly be available to the general audience for investigation and academic study, terming the move a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Efforts are ongoing to repatriate old artifacts that are found in the possession of private persons and entities throughout the globe," the minister affirmed.

During imperial control in Africa, numerous of cultural items were plundered.

The call by the continent's states for the return of looted objects has been responded to by certain progress in recent years - although a number of objects are just on short-term display.

Back in 2022, Germany was the initial country to repatriate a selection of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to deal with its "complex colonial history."

Similar Topics

• Cultural Repatriation Initiatives in the Continent
• The Significance of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• International Movements for the Return of Stolen Treasures