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A total of Twelve cultural items were ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia following staying by a German family for more than 100 years.

The artefacts, first acquired in the 1920s by the German representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were delivered on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

The set included crowns, shields and artistic works, each considered as culturally important in the country.

"The artefacts continue to serve as a mark of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," said the German diplomat, Germany's envoy to Ethiopia.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a gathering witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the household's intention to restore the treasures was to "display their splendor with the public and safeguard the culture and past connected to my parent's origin."

The artefacts were either considered presents or buys, according to the relatives.

"We would like to thank the Weiss relatives for actively expressing their deep love for Ethiopia by meticulously safeguarding these treasures and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their rightful country," stated the official.

The minister added that the artefacts would shortly be made accessible to the general audience for investigation and scholarly work, terming the decision a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Actions persist to bring back historical objects that are located in the possession of private persons and organizations all over the world," the minister stated.

In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, thousands of historical objects were looted.

This call by African countries for the return of stolen artefacts has been met with certain progress in lately - even if several objects are merely on loan.

Back in 2022, the German government was the initial nation to return a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to confront its "dark past."

Connected Topics

• Historical Repatriation Efforts in the Continent
• This Effect of Colonial History on Contemporary African Heritage
• Global Movements for the Return of Stolen Items