Ethiopia Takes Back Cultural Items Following a 100-Year Residence in German Hands

Ethiopian Treasures
This Assortment Contains Royal Headpieces, Shields and Artworks Each Considered as Historically Important

A total of Twelve ancient items were ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia following staying by a household from Germany for more than 100 years.

The artefacts, originally acquired in the 1920's by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the research center at Addis Ababa University.

The collection featured crowns, shields and canvases, each viewed as historically valuable in the nation.

"The treasures still represent a emblem of the lasting and positive connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the representative to the East African country.

Professor a professor, whose parent was born during the household's service in the nation, handed over the objects at a ceremony joined by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He stated that the household's aim to give back the artefacts was to "share their splendor with the public and maintain the heritage and past connected to my father's birth."

Academic Viewing
The Pieces Will Soon to Be Made Available to the Public for Study and Educational Purposes

The artefacts were either considered gifts or buys, as stated by the family.

"We would like to thank the Weiss relatives for actively showing their sincere affection for Ethiopia by carefully safeguarding these items and vitally securing their return to their proper nation," commented the minister of tourism.

The minister added that the artefacts would shortly be available to the people for study and academic study, terming the decision a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Initiatives persist to bring back old artifacts that are located in the possession of individuals and institutions throughout the planet," the minister said.

In the era of colonialism in Africa, thousands of cultural artefacts were looted.

This call by African countries for the repatriation of taken artefacts has been responded to by some positive outcomes in recent years - even if some objects are only on short-term display.

Back in the year 2022, Germany was the pioneering nation to give back a selection of the famous Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people in an attempt to confront its "troubled colonial history."

Similar Themes

  • Cultural Return Efforts in Africa
  • The Effect of Colonial Past on Modern African Heritage
  • International Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Items
Sarah Cox
Sarah Cox

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