Around 12 ancient items were officially returned to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a household from Germany for more than a century.
These items, initially collected in the 1920s by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
This collection included headpieces, protective shields and paintings, all viewed as culturally significant in Ethiopia.
"The artefacts continue to serve as a mark of the lasting and amicable connection between Germany and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.
Professor a professor, whose parent was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, delivered the objects at a gathering joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's aim to return the treasures was to "showcase their splendor with the people and preserve the culture and past connected to my parent's birth."
These objects were either considered gifts or acquisitions, based on the household.
"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss family for actively expressing their deep love for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these items and vitally ensuring their homecoming to their legitimate homeland," said the official.
The minister noted that the artefacts would in the near future be available to the general audience for research and scholarly work, calling the action a landmark in preserving the nation's historical legacy.
"Efforts will continue to repatriate ancient items that are found in the hands of private persons and institutions all over the globe," the minister affirmed.
During colonial rule in Africa, numerous of cultural items were taken.
This call by African countries for the repatriation of looted objects has been answered with some success in lately - although several artefacts are just on short-term display.
Back in two years ago, the German government was the pioneering state to return a portion of the renowned historical items to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to deal with its "dark past."
Similar Themes
- Cultural Restoration Efforts in the Continent
- The Significance of Imperial History on Contemporary African Culture
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Treasures
