The East African nation Takes Back Cultural Artefacts After a Century Stay in German Hands
Exactly 12 historical objects have been officially restored to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for in excess of a century.
The items, initially gathered in the 1920's by Germany's representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The assortment featured royal crowns, shields and artistic works, all considered as culturally significant in Ethiopia.
"The items still represent a symbol of the long-standing and amicable relationship between the German nation and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the artefacts at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the family's goal to give back the items was to "share their splendor with the people and safeguard the culture and past tied to my parent's origin."
The objects were either considered gifts or acquisitions, based on the household.
"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss household for actively expressing their profound love for Ethiopia by diligently preserving these treasures and importantly ensuring their repatriation to their legitimate country," said the minister of tourism.
She noted that the artefacts would soon be made accessible to the general audience for study and educational purposes, describing the move a landmark in safeguarding the nation's historical legacy.
"Actions are ongoing to bring back historical objects that are found in the custody of private persons and organizations around the world," the minister stated.
In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of historical objects were taken.
This demand by African countries for the repatriation of looted objects has been met with certain positive outcomes in lately - even if several objects are only on loan.
In two years ago, the German government was the initial state to return some of the famous historical items to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "dark colonial history."
Related Themes
- Cultural Return Initiatives in the Continent
- The Impact of Colonial History on Modern Ethiopian Culture
- International Movements for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts
