Ethiopia Welcomes Cultural Artefacts Following a 100-Year Stay in a German Family

Exactly 12 ancient artefacts have been ceremoniously returned to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a household from Germany for more than ten decades.

The treasures, originally acquired in the early twentieth century by the German representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the research center at Addis Ababa University.

The set contained crowns, armor and artistic works, each viewed as culturally significant in the country.

"The items still represent a symbol of the enduring and friendly connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.

Dr. a professor, whose father was delivered during the household's service in Ethiopia, presented the items at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He stated that the household's intention to give back the artefacts was to "display their appeal with the public and preserve the culture and history connected to my father's beginning."

These artefacts were either considered gifts or purchases, based on the household.

"I want to thank the Weiss family for concretely demonstrating their sincere appreciation for the nation by carefully maintaining these artifacts and vitally guaranteeing their repatriation to their rightful country," commented the tourism minister.

The minister added that the artefacts would in the near future be available to the general audience for investigation and scholarly work, calling the action a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Efforts persist to bring back ancient objects that are held in the custody of collectors and entities throughout the world," the minister stated.

During imperial control in Africa, many of cultural artefacts were looted.

This request by nations in Africa for the repatriation of taken items has been met with a degree of progress in the past few years - though some artefacts are just on loan.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the first state to repatriate a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to deal with its "complex colonial history."

Related Subjects

• Cultural Repatriation Initiatives in the Continent
• The Significance of Imperial History on Modern African Culture
• International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Artefacts