Ethiopia Takes Back Cultural Items After a Century Holding in Germany
A total of 12 historical items have been formally given back to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years.
These treasures, originally collected in the 1920s by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
The collection contained crowns, protective shields and canvases, each regarded as culturally important in Ethiopia.
"These treasures still stand as a symbol of the enduring and amicable ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated the German diplomat, the ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, delivered the artefacts at a event witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He said that the household's aim to return the treasures was to "showcase their beauty with the audience and preserve the culture and history tied to my parent's beginning."
These objects were either considered presents or purchases, according to the family.
"I want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for practically expressing their deep appreciation for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these treasures and vitally ensuring their homecoming to their proper country," commented the official.
The minister added that the artefacts would in the near future be made accessible to the people for research and academic study, terming the decision a landmark in protecting the nation's national treasures.
"Initiatives are ongoing to return historical objects that are held in the custody of private persons and organizations throughout the world," the minister stated.
In the era of colonial rule in Africa, thousands of cultural artefacts were looted.
The call by the continent's states for the repatriation of stolen artefacts has been met with some positive outcomes in recent years - though several objects are only on loan.
In 2022, the German government was the first nation to give back a portion of the well-known Benin artifacts to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "troubled colonial history."
Connected Subjects
- Cultural Restoration Efforts in Africa
- This Impact of Imperial History on Contemporary African Heritage
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts
