The East African nation Welcomes Valuable Treasures After a 100-Year Residence in German Hands
A total of Twelve ancient artefacts were ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a family in Germany for over 100 years.
The artefacts, first acquired in the 1920s by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
The set included headpieces, shields and canvases, each considered as culturally significant in the nation.
"The items continue to represent a emblem of the enduring and positive connection between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said the German diplomat, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a event attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's intention to restore the items was to "showcase their beauty with the people and safeguard the culture and history connected to my parent's origin."
The objects were either donations or acquisitions, as stated by the household.
"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss family for concretely expressing their deep appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully maintaining these artifacts and vitally securing their return to their proper country," said the tourism minister.
The minister continued that the pieces would in the near future be available to the general audience for research and academic study, describing the action a landmark in preserving the nation's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives persist to return historical items that are located in the custody of collectors and organizations throughout the globe," she stated.
In the era of colonialism in the African continent, numerous of historical artefacts were taken.
The demand by African countries for the repatriation of looted objects has been met with a degree of positive outcomes in recent years - though several items are merely on short-term display.
In the year 2022, Germany was the first country to give back a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in a bid to address its "complex colonial history."
Connected Topics
- Historical Return Efforts in the Continent
- The Significance of Imperial History on Modern Ethiopian Culture
- International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items
