The East African nation Takes Back Historic Items Following a Century Residence in Germany
Around Twelve ancient objects were formally restored to Ethiopia following remaining by a household from Germany for more than 100 years.
These artefacts, initially acquired in the 1920s by Germany's diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
This assortment featured headpieces, shields and canvases, each regarded as historically significant in Ethiopia.
"The artefacts still represent a mark of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked Germany's envoy, the envoy to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the family's aim to give back the items was to "share their appeal with the public and maintain the heritage and history linked to my father's birth."
These objects were either considered gifts or purchases, based on the relatives.
"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for practically demonstrating their profound affection for Ethiopia by carefully preserving these artifacts and importantly securing their repatriation to their proper country," said the tourism minister.
The minister noted that the items would in the near future be made accessible to the people for study and scholarly work, describing the move a landmark in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Actions persist to repatriate old items that are held in the custody of private persons and organizations all over the world," she stated.
In the era of colonialism in the African continent, thousands of cultural artefacts were looted.
This call by African countries for the return of taken objects has been met with some progress in the past few years - even if several items are just on short-term display.
In the year 2022, Germany was the initial state to return some of the well-known Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people in an attempt to address its "troubled past."
Connected Themes
- Cultural Return Efforts in the Continent
- The Impact of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts
