Ethiopia Receives Historic Artefacts After a 100-Year Residence in a German Family
Exactly 12 cultural objects have been ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia after being kept by a German family for more than ten decades.
These artefacts, initially collected in the 1920s by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
This collection contained crowns, protective shields and artistic works, each considered as culturally significant in the nation.
"These artefacts still represent a mark of the lasting and positive connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, delivered the objects at a event joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the family's goal to give back the treasures was to "share their appeal with the audience and safeguard the culture and history connected to my father's birth."
These objects were either considered donations or purchases, as stated by the family.
"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss household for concretely demonstrating their profound love for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these artifacts and crucially securing their return to their legitimate nation," said the minister of tourism.
The minister added that the items would shortly be available to the people for investigation and academic study, calling the move a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Actions will continue to return ancient objects that are located in the possession of collectors and entities throughout the globe," the minister affirmed.
In the era of colonialism in Africa, many of historical artefacts were looted.
This call by African countries for the return of stolen items has been responded to by a degree of progress in lately - though some items are merely on loan.
In 2022, Germany was the initial country to give back some of the well-known historical items to the Nigerian people in a bid to address its "dark past."
Related Topics
- Historical Restoration Efforts in the Continent
- The Significance of Colonial History on Modern Ethiopian Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Items
