Ethiopia Takes Back Historic Items Following a 100-Year Residence in Germany
A total of Twelve cultural items were ceremoniously given back to Ethiopia after being kept by a German family for over 100 years.
These artefacts, originally gathered in the 1920s by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were handed over on midweek to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.
This collection contained headpieces, shields and paintings, all viewed as historically significant in Ethiopia.
"These items still stand as a symbol of the long-standing and amicable ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the representative to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the household's service in Ethiopia, delivered the objects at a gathering witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He stated that the household's goal to give back the artefacts was to "showcase their splendor with the public and preserve the culture and past connected to my parent's origin."
These items were either presents or buys, as stated by the family.
"We want to thank the Weiss relatives for practically showing their sincere appreciation for the nation by diligently preserving these items and vitally ensuring their return to their legitimate country," stated the official.
The minister continued that the items would soon be made accessible to the public for investigation and educational purposes, describing the action a significant step in protecting the nation's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives are ongoing to return ancient objects that are found in the possession of individuals and institutions around the planet," the minister said.
In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, many of traditional items were taken.
The request by African countries for the restoration of stolen objects has been responded to by a degree of positive outcomes in recent years - even if some objects are only on loan.
In 2022, Germany was the pioneering country to return some of the well-known Benin artifacts to the West African nation in an attempt to address its "dark legacy."
Related Themes
- Cultural Return Initiatives in Africa
- This Impact of Imperial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Treasures
