Ethiopia Receives Historic Artefacts After a Century Holding in a German Family
A total of 12 ancient items have been formally given back to Ethiopia after being kept by a household from Germany for over a century.
These items, originally collected in the early twentieth century by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were delivered on midweek to the research center at Addis Ababa University.
The set featured royal crowns, shields and paintings, all viewed as culturally significant in the country.
"These treasures still represent a mark of the enduring and friendly relationship between the German nation and Ethiopia," said the German diplomat, the ambassador to the East African country.
Professor a professor, whose parent was born during the family's assignment in the nation, presented the artefacts at a event joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He explained that the household's intention to return the artefacts was to "share their appeal with the people and safeguard the culture and history linked to my parent's origin."
The objects were either considered donations or acquisitions, as stated by the family.
"We would like to thank the Weiss family for practically demonstrating their sincere appreciation for the nation by diligently preserving these items and vitally guaranteeing their return to their rightful nation," stated the tourism minister.
She noted that the pieces would in the near future be available to the general audience for research and academic study, calling the decision a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Efforts will continue to repatriate historical items that are found in the possession of individuals and entities throughout the planet," she affirmed.
In the era of colonialism in Africa, many of cultural items were taken.
The demand by nations in Africa for the return of taken objects has been responded to by certain progress in recent years - though several artefacts are only on temporary return.
In two years ago, the German government was the initial state to give back some of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in an attempt to confront its "complex legacy."
Connected Subjects
- Historical Repatriation Movements in the Continent
- The Effect of Colonial Past on Modern African Culture
- International Movements for the Return of Stolen Artefacts
