Ethiopia Welcomes Cultural Treasures Following a Long Stay in German Hands
A total of Twelve ancient artefacts have been ceremoniously given back to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a German family for over a century.
These items, initially acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were delivered on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.
This collection featured crowns, protective shields and paintings, all considered as historically significant in the nation.
"These artefacts continue to serve as a symbol of the lasting and amicable ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.
Professor a professor, whose parent was born during the household's service in the nation, presented the objects at a gathering joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the family's intention to return the treasures was to "display their beauty with the people and maintain the heritage and past connected to my father's beginning."
The objects were either donations or buys, according to the relatives.
"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for practically showing their profound appreciation for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these treasures and crucially ensuring their return to their legitimate country," stated the minister of tourism.
She noted that the artefacts would in the near future be made accessible to the public for research and academic study, calling the decision a landmark in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives are ongoing to bring back historical items that are located in the possession of collectors and organizations throughout the planet," the minister affirmed.
During colonialism in Africa, numerous of traditional artefacts were plundered.
This demand by African countries for the return of looted items has been answered with a degree of positive outcomes in the past few years - even if several items are merely on short-term display.
In the year 2022, the German government was the pioneering country to return a selection of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to confront its "dark past."
Similar Topics
- Historical Repatriation Movements in Africa
- This Impact of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts
