The East African nation Welcomes Cultural Treasures Following a 100-Year Residence in German Hands
Around 12 ancient artefacts have been formally given back to the Ethiopian nation after remaining by a household from Germany for in excess of 100 years.
The treasures, initially gathered in the 1920's by the German then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.
The set included crowns, shields and canvases, each considered as historically important in Ethiopia.
"These treasures still represent a symbol of the enduring and friendly ties between Germany and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, the ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's service in Ethiopia, delivered the items at a event attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He stated that the family's goal to give back the items was to "showcase their splendor with the audience and preserve the heritage and history connected to my parent's birth."
The items were either considered gifts or acquisitions, according to the household.
"I want to thank the Weiss family for practically expressing their profound affection for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these items and importantly securing their repatriation to their rightful country," said the minister of tourism.
The minister added that the items would in the near future be made accessible to the general audience for study and academic study, terming the move a landmark in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.
"Efforts are ongoing to bring back historical artifacts that are held in the custody of individuals and institutions throughout the planet," she stated.
In the era of colonialism in the African continent, many of historical objects were taken.
This call by the continent's states for the restoration of taken objects has been met with certain success in recent years - though several artefacts are merely on loan.
Back in two years ago, Germany was the first nation to give back a portion of the renowned Benin artifacts to Nigeria as part of an effort to deal with its "dark legacy."
Similar Topics
- Cultural Restoration Efforts in Africa
- The Impact of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
- Global Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures
