Ethiopia Receives Cultural Items After a Century Stay in a German Family
A total of 12 historical objects have been officially given back to Ethiopia after being kept by a household from Germany for in excess of a century.
These artefacts, first acquired in the 1920s by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.
The set contained headpieces, shields and paintings, all considered as culturally valuable in the nation.
"These items continue to stand as a mark of the enduring and friendly relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's service in the nation, delivered the items at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's goal to give back the artefacts was to "share their appeal with the public and safeguard the heritage and history tied to my parent's origin."
These objects were either donations or acquisitions, according to the family.
"I would like to thank Professor Weiss's household for practically demonstrating their sincere appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully preserving these treasures and vitally securing their repatriation to their legitimate country," commented the tourism minister.
She added that the artefacts would in the near future be opened to the people for research and educational purposes, terming the decision a landmark in safeguarding Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Efforts persist to return ancient objects that are held in the hands of collectors and entities all over the world," the minister affirmed.
During colonialism in Africa, numerous of cultural artefacts were taken.
This demand by the continent's states for the repatriation of taken artefacts has been met with some positive outcomes in recent years - although a number of items are merely on short-term display.
In 2022, Germany was the initial state to repatriate a selection of the well-known historical items to Nigeria as part of an effort to confront its "troubled legacy."
Related Topics
- Cultural Return Efforts in Africa
- This Significance of Colonial History on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures
