Ethiopia Welcomes Cultural Artefacts After a Century Holding in German Hands
Around Twelve cultural items were formally restored to Ethiopia after being kept by a household from Germany for more than a century.
The treasures, initially collected in the 1920s by the German then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were transferred on Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.
The assortment included crowns, armor and paintings, each regarded as historically significant in the nation.
"These treasures continue to stand as a symbol of the long-standing and amicable connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's assignment in the nation, handed over the objects at a gathering witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He explained that the household's goal to give back the items was to "share their beauty with the people and maintain the culture and past linked to my father's origin."
The items were either considered donations or purchases, according to the family.
"I would like to thank Professor Weiss's family for practically showing their deep love for Ethiopia by carefully safeguarding these artifacts and importantly ensuring their repatriation to their rightful nation," stated the tourism minister.
The minister added that the pieces would soon be available to the people for research and scholarly work, terming the decision a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Efforts persist to repatriate ancient artifacts that are located in the custody of private persons and entities all over the world," she said.
During colonial rule in the African continent, many of traditional artefacts were looted.
The demand by African countries for the return of taken items has been answered with a degree of positive outcomes in the past few years - even if several items are just on temporary return.
Back in two years ago, the German government was the pioneering state to give back a selection of the famous historical items to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "troubled colonial history."
Related Themes
- Historical Restoration Initiatives in Africa
- This Effect of Imperial Past on Modern African Culture
- Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts
