The East African nation Receives Valuable Artefacts After a Century Residence in a German Family
Around 12 historical artefacts have been ceremoniously given back to Ethiopia following staying by a family in Germany for in excess of a century.
These artefacts, first collected in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on midweek to the research center at Addis Ababa University.
The assortment included royal crowns, shields and canvases, all regarded as historically significant in the country.
"The items still represent a symbol of the enduring and friendly relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's service in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a gathering joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the household's aim to return the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the people and maintain the culture and past linked to my parent's birth."
These objects were either considered donations or buys, as stated by the household.
"We would like to express gratitude to the Weiss family for concretely showing their profound appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully maintaining these items and crucially guaranteeing their repatriation to their rightful homeland," commented the official.
The minister added that the items would soon be available to the general audience for research and scholarly work, calling the move a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Actions will continue to bring back old objects that are located in the custody of individuals and organizations throughout the globe," she affirmed.
In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, many of traditional items were looted.
This call by nations in Africa for the return of stolen objects has been responded to by some positive outcomes in recent years - even if several artefacts are merely on loan.
Back in the year 2022, Germany was the first state to return a selection of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in a bid to deal with its "troubled colonial history."
Related Subjects
- Cultural Return Efforts in the Continent
- This Impact of Imperial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures
