Ethiopia Takes Back Cultural Treasures After a Long Holding in German Hands

A total of 12 cultural artefacts have been formally returned to Ethiopia after remaining by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years.

These treasures, originally acquired in the early twentieth century by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

The collection featured crowns, armor and artistic works, all viewed as historically important in the nation.

"The artefacts still serve as a emblem of the long-standing and positive ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said Germany's envoy, Germany's envoy to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose father was delivered during the family's service in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a gathering witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the household's aim to give back the artefacts was to "showcase their beauty with the public and preserve the culture and history connected to my father's birth."

The items were either presents or acquisitions, as stated by the relatives.

"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for actively expressing their deep love for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these items and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their legitimate homeland," said the tourism minister.

The minister continued that the artefacts would soon be made accessible to the public for study and scholarly work, terming the action a landmark in preserving the nation's cultural heritage.

"Initiatives will continue to repatriate old items that are held in the hands of individuals and organizations around the world," she said.

During imperial control in the African continent, numerous of historical artefacts were taken.

This demand by the continent's states for the restoration of looted objects has been responded to by certain progress in the past few years - though a number of items are only on short-term display.

In 2022, the German government was the initial country to return a portion of the famous historical items to the West African nation in an attempt to deal with its "troubled colonial history."

Connected Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Initiatives in the Continent
• The Impact of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Movements for the Return of Looted Artefacts