Ethiopia Takes Back Cultural Treasures After a Century Holding in a German Family
A total of Twelve cultural items have been formally returned to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for over a century.
These artefacts, initially gathered in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.
This set included royal crowns, shields and paintings, all viewed as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.
"These treasures continue to serve as a emblem of the lasting and friendly ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, the representative to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the household's assignment in the nation, presented the items at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the household's aim to give back the treasures was to "share their splendor with the people and safeguard the heritage and past linked to my parent's beginning."
The objects were either gifts or purchases, according to the relatives.
"I would like to thank the Weiss household for practically demonstrating their sincere love for the nation by diligently preserving these items and crucially guaranteeing their homecoming to their legitimate nation," commented the minister of tourism.
She added that the pieces would soon be made accessible to the public for investigation and educational purposes, terming the action a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Efforts are ongoing to bring back historical objects that are held in the custody of collectors and organizations throughout the planet," the minister affirmed.
In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, thousands of historical artefacts were plundered.
This demand by African countries for the repatriation of stolen items has been answered with certain progress in the past few years - even if some objects are only on temporary return.
Back in the year 2022, the German government was the pioneering country to repatriate some of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in an attempt to deal with its "complex colonial history."
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- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts