Ethiopia Takes Back Valuable Treasures Following a Long Holding in German Hands
A total of 12 ancient objects were formally returned to Ethiopia after remaining by a household from Germany for in excess of a century.
The treasures, first collected in the 1920s by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the research center at Addis Ababa University.
The collection included headpieces, shields and canvases, each considered as historically important in the nation.
"These items still represent a symbol of the lasting and friendly connection between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the family's diplomatic posting in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He said that the household's intention to return the artefacts was to "display their beauty with the public and maintain the heritage and history linked to my father's beginning."
The objects were either donations or purchases, according to the relatives.
"I would like to thank the Weiss household for actively expressing their deep affection for the nation by meticulously maintaining these artifacts and vitally guaranteeing their homecoming to their legitimate country," commented the tourism minister.
The minister continued that the pieces would soon be made accessible to the people for study and scholarly work, terming the decision a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Initiatives are ongoing to return old objects that are found in the custody of individuals and organizations around the planet," she stated.
During colonial rule in Africa, numerous of historical objects were looted.
The call by African countries for the repatriation of taken items has been answered with certain success in recent years - though several items are only on temporary return.
In the year 2022, the German government was the pioneering nation to return a portion of the well-known Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to confront its "dark past."
Connected Subjects
- Historical Repatriation Movements in the Continent
- This Effect of Colonial Past on Contemporary African Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts