The East African nation Welcomes Cultural Artefacts Following a 100-Year Residence in a German Family
Around 12 cultural artefacts were officially restored to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for over a century.
The treasures, initially gathered in the 1920s by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.
The set featured crowns, protective shields and artistic works, each considered as historically important in the nation.
"These artefacts still represent a symbol of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, the envoy to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, delivered the artefacts at a event witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He explained that the family's goal to return the items was to "share their beauty with the audience and maintain the heritage and history linked to my parent's beginning."
These artefacts were either considered gifts or acquisitions, as stated by the relatives.
"I want to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for actively showing their profound love for the nation by diligently preserving these items and crucially guaranteeing their homecoming to their proper homeland," commented the official.
She added that the pieces would in the near future be made accessible to the public for study and scholarly work, describing the decision a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Efforts persist to return old items that are held in the hands of collectors and organizations throughout the globe," the minister affirmed.
During imperial control in the African continent, many of cultural objects were looted.
This call by African countries for the repatriation of stolen artefacts has been responded to by a degree of progress in recent years - although several items are just on loan.
Back in the year 2022, Germany was the pioneering country to repatriate some of the renowned historical items to Nigeria in a bid to confront its "dark colonial history."
Similar Themes
- Cultural Restoration Movements in the Continent
- This Impact of Imperial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- International Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures
