Ethiopia Receives Historic Items Following a 100-Year Residence in a German Family
Around 12 ancient objects were officially given back to Ethiopia following remaining by a family in Germany for more than ten decades.
The artefacts, originally collected in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.
This collection included headpieces, armor and paintings, each regarded as culturally important in the nation.
"These artefacts continue to stand as a mark of the lasting and amicable connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated the German diplomat, the ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a event joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He explained that the household's aim to give back the artefacts was to "share their appeal with the audience and maintain the culture and history tied to my father's origin."
The artefacts were either considered donations or acquisitions, as stated by the family.
"I would like to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for practically demonstrating their sincere appreciation for the nation by carefully preserving these treasures and crucially ensuring their return to their proper homeland," said the official.
She added that the items would shortly be available to the people for study and educational purposes, terming the move a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives persist to bring back old artifacts that are held in the custody of individuals and organizations all over the globe," the minister affirmed.
During colonial rule in the African continent, many of historical items were taken.
This demand by nations in Africa for the repatriation of looted items has been met with some success in recent years - though several items are merely on temporary return.
Back in 2022, Germany was the initial state to return some of the renowned historical items to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to deal with its "troubled past."
Connected Topics
- Historical Return Initiatives in the Continent
- The Significance of Imperial History on Contemporary African Culture
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Items
