The East African nation Welcomes Historic Items After a Century Stay in German Hands
A total of Twelve cultural artefacts were formally returned to Ethiopia following being kept by a family in Germany for more than ten decades.
The artefacts, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The set contained headpieces, shields and canvases, all viewed as culturally significant in Ethiopia.
"These items continue to represent a emblem of the enduring and friendly ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in the nation, handed over the objects at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He said that the household's intention to return the artefacts was to "display their appeal with the people and preserve the culture and history tied to my parent's beginning."
The items were either considered donations or buys, based on the relatives.
"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's household for actively demonstrating their profound love for Ethiopia by diligently preserving these treasures and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their legitimate homeland," said the official.
The minister added that the artefacts would shortly be made accessible to the public for research and scholarly work, calling the move a landmark in preserving Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Efforts will continue to repatriate ancient items that are held in the hands of collectors and organizations around the globe," she said.
In the era of imperial control in Africa, numerous of cultural objects were looted.
This call by the continent's states for the restoration of taken artefacts has been answered with a degree of progress in recent years - though a number of items are just on loan.
In two years ago, the German government was the pioneering state to give back a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "troubled past."
Related Topics
- Historical Restoration Efforts in the Continent
- The Impact of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Items