The East African nation Welcomes Valuable Treasures After a 100-Year Residence in a German Family
Exactly Twelve historical artefacts have been officially returned to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a household from Germany for over a century.
These treasures, initially gathered in the 1920's by Germany's diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were delivered on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.
This collection featured royal crowns, armor and paintings, each considered as culturally significant in the country.
"The treasures continue to represent a symbol of the lasting and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, the envoy to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He explained that the household's aim to return the items was to "display their splendor with the people and safeguard the heritage and past linked to my father's beginning."
These artefacts were either considered donations or acquisitions, according to the family.
"We want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for actively demonstrating their profound appreciation for the nation by carefully preserving these treasures and vitally guaranteeing their homecoming to their rightful country," stated the minister of tourism.
She continued that the items would shortly be made accessible to the people for investigation and academic study, terming the action a landmark in preserving the nation's historical legacy.
"Actions are ongoing to bring back old objects that are held in the possession of individuals and organizations around the planet," she stated.
During imperial control in Africa, many of cultural objects were looted.
This call by the continent's states for the restoration of looted artefacts has been responded to by a degree of positive outcomes in the past few years - even if some objects are just on short-term display.
In two years ago, the German government was the first state to repatriate some of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in a bid to address its "dark legacy."
Similar Themes
- Cultural Return Initiatives in Africa
- This Effect of Imperial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts
