Ethiopia Welcomes Cultural Artefacts Following a Century Stay in German Hands

A total of Twelve ancient objects have been formally given back to Ethiopia after staying by a household from Germany for more than a century.

The artefacts, first acquired in the 1920s by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.

The collection included crowns, protective shields and artistic works, each considered as historically significant in the country.

"These items still represent a emblem of the enduring and amicable connection between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose parent was born during the family's assignment in the nation, presented the objects at a gathering attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He said that the family's aim to restore the artefacts was to "display their appeal with the public and preserve the heritage and past linked to my father's beginning."

The artefacts were either presents or acquisitions, based on the family.

"I want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for practically showing their sincere love for Ethiopia by carefully safeguarding these artifacts and vitally securing their return to their rightful homeland," stated the tourism minister.

The minister noted that the items would in the near future be available to the people for investigation and scholarly work, describing the decision a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Initiatives will continue to repatriate historical artifacts that are located in the possession of private persons and entities throughout the world," the minister said.

During imperial control in Africa, numerous of historical items were taken.

This call by nations in Africa for the repatriation of stolen objects has been met with a degree of progress in recent years - even if several objects are merely on short-term display.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the pioneering state to return a selection of the well-known Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in a bid to deal with its "complex legacy."

Similar Themes

• Cultural Return Initiatives in Africa
• The Impact of Colonial History on Contemporary African Heritage
• Global Movements for the Return of Stolen Artefacts