The East African nation Takes Back Cultural Artefacts Following a Century Holding in Germany
Around 12 cultural artefacts were ceremoniously given back to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for more than a century.
The items, first collected in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.
The set featured royal crowns, armor and artistic works, each considered as historically significant in the nation.
"The treasures still represent a mark of the enduring and amicable relationship between the German nation and Ethiopia," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's representative to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's service in the nation, handed over the items at a event joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the family's intention to restore the treasures was to "share their appeal with the audience and maintain the culture and past tied to my parent's origin."
The objects were either considered donations or acquisitions, according to the relatives.
"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's household for concretely demonstrating their deep affection for the nation by diligently preserving these items and importantly securing their homecoming to their legitimate nation," stated the official.
The minister added that the items would shortly be made accessible to the public for study and scholarly work, describing the move a landmark in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.
"Efforts persist to bring back ancient artifacts that are held in the custody of private persons and institutions around the globe," the minister said.
During colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of traditional artefacts were plundered.
The demand by nations in Africa for the return of taken objects has been responded to by a degree of progress in the past few years - even if some artefacts are only on temporary return.
Back in two years ago, the German government was the initial country to repatriate a portion of the famous Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in an attempt to address its "dark legacy."
Connected Topics
- Cultural Return Initiatives in Africa
- This Impact of Imperial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Return of Looted Artefacts
