The East African nation Takes Back Historic Items Following a Century Stay in a German Family
Around 12 cultural items were formally restored to Ethiopia following remaining by a German family for over 100 years.
The treasures, initially acquired in the 1920s by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
This collection contained royal crowns, armor and artistic works, each considered as historically valuable in the nation.
"The treasures still serve as a symbol of the enduring and positive connection between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to the East African country.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the household's assignment in the nation, presented the artefacts at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the household's intention to give back the artefacts was to "display their beauty with the people and preserve the culture and history tied to my father's beginning."
These items were either considered gifts or buys, based on the family.
"I want to thank the Weiss family for concretely demonstrating their sincere affection for the nation by meticulously maintaining these treasures and importantly securing their repatriation to their legitimate country," commented the official.
The minister continued that the items would soon be available to the public for study and scholarly work, terming the action a landmark in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Efforts persist to repatriate old items that are found in the custody of collectors and entities all over the world," the minister said.
During colonial rule in Africa, many of historical items were plundered.
This request by African countries for the repatriation of stolen items has been answered with some progress in lately - even if several items are merely on temporary return.
In two years ago, the German government was the first state to return a selection of the famous historical items to Nigeria in a bid to deal with its "troubled colonial history."
Similar Topics
- Cultural Restoration Efforts in the Continent
- The Impact of Imperial History on Contemporary African Heritage
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts
