The East African nation Welcomes Valuable Treasures Following a Long Residence in Germany
Exactly 12 ancient items have been formally given back to Ethiopia after being kept by a household from Germany for in excess of 100 years.
The artefacts, first acquired in the 1920's by the German representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.
This collection included royal crowns, armor and canvases, all viewed as culturally important in Ethiopia.
"The artefacts still represent a mark of the long-standing and friendly ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's representative to the East African country.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the family's assignment in the nation, delivered the items at a gathering joined by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He said that the household's intention to give back the artefacts was to "showcase their splendor with the public and maintain the heritage and history connected to my father's beginning."
These objects were either considered donations or acquisitions, based on the relatives.
"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for concretely showing their deep affection for the nation by diligently maintaining these items and vitally guaranteeing their repatriation to their rightful nation," said the official.
She continued that the artefacts would in the near future be available to the public for study and educational purposes, describing the action a milestone in preserving the nation's national treasures.
"Initiatives are ongoing to return old items that are located in the possession of collectors and institutions throughout the planet," she said.
In the era of colonial rule in Africa, many of historical objects were taken.
This request by African countries for the return of looted objects has been met with some success in the past few years - even if some items are just on temporary return.
In 2022, the German government was the first state to give back some of the famous Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "troubled past."
Related Topics
- Historical Return Movements in the Continent
- The Effect of Imperial History on Contemporary African Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Return of Looted Artefacts
