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Around 12 ancient items have been officially given back to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a family in Germany for in excess of ten decades.

The artefacts, first collected in the 1920s by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.

The collection contained royal crowns, shields and canvases, all considered as historically significant in the country.

"The items continue to stand as a symbol of the lasting and positive connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked Germany's envoy, Germany's representative to Ethiopia.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the artefacts at a gathering joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He stated that the household's aim to restore the artefacts was to "display their appeal with the audience and preserve the heritage and past linked to my father's origin."

These objects were either presents or acquisitions, based on the relatives.

"We would like to express gratitude to the Weiss household for concretely showing their sincere affection for Ethiopia by carefully preserving these items and crucially guaranteeing their homecoming to their rightful homeland," stated the tourism minister.

She continued that the artefacts would in the near future be opened to the people for investigation and scholarly work, terming the move a significant step in safeguarding the nation's historical legacy.

"Efforts are ongoing to repatriate historical objects that are held in the possession of individuals and organizations throughout the globe," the minister stated.

During colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of historical artefacts were plundered.

This request by the continent's states for the repatriation of stolen objects has been met with a degree of success in lately - though some items are just on loan.

Back in 2022, the German government was the first state to repatriate some of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to address its "dark colonial history."

Connected Topics

• Historical Repatriation Efforts in the Continent
• The Significance of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• International Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Items