The East African nation Receives Historic Artefacts Following a Century Holding in a German Family

A total of 12 ancient items were officially restored to the Ethiopian nation after remaining by a German family for in excess of ten decades.

These items, first gathered in the 1920's by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.

This assortment featured headpieces, armor and paintings, all regarded as historically valuable in the country.

"The artefacts still represent a symbol of the long-standing and friendly ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the artefacts at a ceremony joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's intention to restore the treasures was to "showcase their splendor with the audience and safeguard the culture and history connected to my father's beginning."

The artefacts were either considered donations or acquisitions, according to the relatives.

"We would like to thank the Weiss relatives for actively demonstrating their sincere appreciation for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these items and vitally ensuring their homecoming to their proper nation," commented the tourism minister.

She added that the artefacts would in the near future be made accessible to the people for research and academic study, calling the action a milestone in preserving the nation's national treasures.

"Efforts persist to repatriate historical items that are held in the possession of collectors and institutions throughout the globe," the minister said.

In the era of imperial control in Africa, thousands of historical objects were looted.

This demand by the continent's states for the return of looted objects has been responded to by some success in lately - although several items are only on temporary return.

In two years ago, Germany was the first nation to repatriate a selection of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in an attempt to confront its "troubled past."

Related Themes

• Cultural Restoration Efforts in Africa
• The Effect of Colonial History on Modern African Culture
• International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Treasures