Ethiopia Takes Back Valuable Treasures Following a 100-Year Holding in German Hands
A total of 12 ancient objects were officially restored to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a household from Germany for over 100 years.
The treasures, initially gathered in the 1920s by Germany's diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The collection contained crowns, shields and artistic works, each considered as culturally important in Ethiopia.
"The treasures still represent a mark of the enduring and positive connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked the German diplomat, the ambassador to the East African country.
Professor a professor, whose father was born during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He explained that the household's intention to restore the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the public and preserve the culture and past connected to my parent's origin."
These items were either presents or purchases, according to the relatives.
"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's family for practically demonstrating their deep love for Ethiopia by carefully safeguarding these items and vitally ensuring their return to their rightful homeland," commented the minister of tourism.
She added that the items would shortly be opened to the public for study and academic study, describing the decision a significant step in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Efforts are ongoing to return ancient artifacts that are located in the hands of collectors and institutions all over the planet," the minister stated.
During colonial rule in Africa, thousands of traditional objects were looted.
The demand by nations in Africa for the return of stolen items has been met with certain success in lately - although several artefacts are merely on loan.
In the year 2022, Germany was the initial country to give back a portion of the renowned Benin artifacts to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "dark colonial history."
Similar Subjects
- Cultural Return Movements in the Continent
- The Impact of Colonial Past on Contemporary African Culture
- International Movements for the Return of Stolen Artefacts
