Ethiopia Welcomes Valuable Treasures After a 100-Year Holding in German Hands
Around 12 ancient artefacts were formally given back to Ethiopia following being kept by a family in Germany for over ten decades.
The artefacts, initially collected in the early twentieth century by the German representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.
The collection contained crowns, armor and paintings, all regarded as historically important in Ethiopia.
"The artefacts continue to serve as a symbol of the long-standing and friendly relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's representative to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose parent was delivered during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the items at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the household's intention to return the treasures was to "display their splendor with the people and preserve the heritage and history linked to my father's birth."
These artefacts were either considered presents or buys, as stated by the family.
"We want to thank the Weiss relatives for concretely demonstrating their profound appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully preserving these items and crucially securing their repatriation to their rightful homeland," commented the official.
She noted that the items would shortly be made accessible to the people for study and educational purposes, calling the decision a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Initiatives persist to return historical objects that are held in the hands of individuals and organizations throughout the planet," the minister stated.
During imperial control in Africa, thousands of historical items were looted.
The request by African countries for the restoration of taken artefacts has been responded to by a degree of success in lately - even if a number of items are merely on short-term display.
In the year 2022, Germany was the first country to return a selection of the well-known Benin artifacts to the West African nation in an attempt to address its "troubled legacy."
Related Subjects
- Cultural Return Efforts in Africa
- The Impact of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Items