Ethiopia Takes Back Historic Items Following a 100-Year Holding in a German Family
Exactly Twelve ancient items were ceremoniously given back to Ethiopia following staying by a household from Germany for more than ten decades.
These items, originally collected in the 1920s by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.
The collection included crowns, armor and paintings, all regarded as historically important in the country.
"These treasures continue to represent a symbol of the enduring and friendly connection between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a event attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's aim to return the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the public and maintain the heritage and history tied to my father's origin."
The objects were either considered gifts or purchases, based on the relatives.
"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's household for actively showing their profound affection for the nation by diligently preserving these items and vitally guaranteeing their return to their rightful homeland," commented the minister of tourism.
The minister added that the pieces would shortly be opened to the people for research and academic study, calling the action a significant step in protecting Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Efforts persist to return old objects that are located in the possession of private persons and entities throughout the planet," she said.
During colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of traditional objects were taken.
This call by African countries for the return of looted artefacts has been answered with certain progress in recent years - though several artefacts are merely on temporary return.
Back in 2022, Germany was the initial nation to return a portion of the well-known historical items to the West African nation in a bid to confront its "troubled legacy."
Similar Topics
- Historical Restoration Initiatives in Africa
- The Impact of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts
