🔗 Share this article

A total of 12 historical artefacts have been formally given back to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a household from Germany for more than ten decades.

These treasures, initially acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.

The collection included royal crowns, armor and canvases, each considered as culturally important in the country.

"These treasures continue to stand as a mark of the enduring and friendly relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the household's diplomatic posting in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a event joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He said that the family's goal to give back the items was to "share their splendor with the audience and preserve the culture and history tied to my parent's beginning."

These artefacts were either considered presents or buys, according to the family.

"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for actively demonstrating their profound love for Ethiopia by diligently safeguarding these items and crucially securing their repatriation to their proper country," stated the minister of tourism.

She noted that the artefacts would soon be available to the general audience for study and scholarly work, calling the action a significant step in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Efforts are ongoing to return historical objects that are held in the custody of collectors and organizations all over the world," she affirmed.

During colonialism in Africa, numerous of cultural artefacts were looted.

This request by the continent's states for the repatriation of stolen artefacts has been responded to by some progress in lately - though a number of items are only on loan.

Back in 2022, the German government was the initial state to return a selection of the renowned historical items to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to address its "troubled colonial history."

Similar Subjects

• Historical Repatriation Initiatives in Africa
• The Effect of Imperial Past on Modern African Culture
• International Movements for the Restitution of Looted Items