Ethiopia Takes Back Valuable Treasures Following a Long Residence in a German Family

Around Twelve ancient artefacts were officially returned to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a household from Germany for over 100 years.

The treasures, originally gathered in the 1920s by the German representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were transferred on Wednesday to the research center at Addis Ababa University.

The assortment contained royal crowns, shields and canvases, each viewed as culturally significant in Ethiopia.

"These treasures still serve as a symbol of the long-standing and positive relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the family's service in the nation, delivered the items at a event attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He explained that the family's intention to restore the artefacts was to "share their beauty with the public and preserve the culture and history linked to my parent's beginning."

The items were either considered presents or buys, according to the household.

"I would like to thank Professor Weiss's household for actively showing their profound love for Ethiopia by diligently safeguarding these artifacts and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their rightful country," stated the minister of tourism.

The minister added that the items would in the near future be available to the people for study and academic study, calling the action a landmark in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.

"Efforts persist to repatriate ancient items that are held in the custody of individuals and entities all over the world," she stated.

In the era of imperial control in Africa, many of historical items were looted.

The request by nations in Africa for the repatriation of taken artefacts has been answered with some progress in the past few years - although several items are merely on loan.

In 2022, Germany was the first nation to give back some of the famous Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to address its "dark legacy."

Similar Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Initiatives in the Continent
• The Significance of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• International Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Items