The East African nation Takes Back Historic Items Following a Long Residence in German Hands

Around 12 historical items have been formally restored to the Ethiopian nation after remaining by a household from Germany for in excess of a century.

The treasures, initially collected in the 1920s by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were delivered on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

This collection contained headpieces, shields and artistic works, all considered as culturally important in Ethiopia.

"These items continue to represent a mark of the lasting and positive relationship between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, the envoy to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the family's service in Ethiopia, delivered the artefacts at a event attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He explained that the household's goal to restore the treasures was to "share their appeal with the people and preserve the culture and past tied to my father's origin."

These items were either considered gifts or purchases, as stated by the relatives.

"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's household for concretely demonstrating their sincere love for the nation by diligently safeguarding these artifacts and vitally securing their homecoming to their legitimate homeland," commented the minister of tourism.

She noted that the pieces would in the near future be opened to the general audience for research and scholarly work, calling the action a landmark in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.

"Initiatives persist to return ancient items that are located in the custody of collectors and entities throughout the globe," she affirmed.

In the era of imperial control in the African continent, numerous of cultural items were plundered.

This call by nations in Africa for the return of taken items has been met with certain positive outcomes in recent years - although some items are just on temporary return.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the first nation to repatriate a portion of the well-known historical items to Nigeria as part of an effort to confront its "complex colonial history."

Similar Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Movements in the Continent
• The Effect of Imperial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
• International Movements for the Return of Stolen Artefacts