Ethiopia Receives Cultural Items After a Century Residence in German Hands
Exactly 12 cultural artefacts have been officially restored to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a family in Germany for in excess of a century.
These treasures, originally acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The set featured crowns, armor and canvases, all regarded as historically important in Ethiopia.
"These items continue to serve as a mark of the lasting and friendly ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in the nation, presented the artefacts at a event attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the family's aim to return the treasures was to "showcase their splendor with the audience and safeguard the culture and history connected to my parent's beginning."
These items were either gifts or buys, based on the household.
"I would like to thank the Weiss relatives for practically expressing their sincere love for Ethiopia by diligently preserving these treasures and crucially ensuring their repatriation to their legitimate nation," stated the minister of tourism.
The minister continued that the items would shortly be opened to the public for research and scholarly work, terming the move a landmark in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives persist to return ancient objects that are found in the custody of individuals and organizations throughout the globe," the minister affirmed.
During colonialism in Africa, thousands of cultural items were looted.
The call by the continent's states for the return of taken items has been met with a degree of positive outcomes in lately - even if a number of artefacts are merely on short-term display.
Back in the year 2022, Germany was the first country to repatriate a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in a bid to address its "complex colonial history."
Similar Topics
- Historical Repatriation Initiatives in Africa
- This Effect of Imperial Past on Contemporary African Culture
- International Movements for the Return of Looted Items
