Ethiopia Welcomes Valuable Items Following a Century Holding in a German Family

Around Twelve cultural objects were ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia following being kept by a family in Germany for in excess of a century.

These treasures, initially gathered in the early twentieth century by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.

This assortment featured headpieces, shields and artistic works, each regarded as historically significant in Ethiopia.

"The items still stand as a symbol of the lasting and friendly connection between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the household's service in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He stated that the household's aim to give back the treasures was to "display their appeal with the public and safeguard the culture and history connected to my father's origin."

The items were either donations or acquisitions, according to the family.

"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for concretely showing their deep affection for Ethiopia by carefully preserving these treasures and importantly ensuring their return to their proper nation," stated the official.

The minister added that the pieces would soon be made accessible to the people for research and educational purposes, terming the move a significant step in safeguarding the nation's historical legacy.

"Efforts persist to return old items that are found in the custody of private persons and organizations around the globe," the minister stated.

During imperial control in the African continent, thousands of cultural objects were taken.

This call by the continent's states for the repatriation of looted artefacts has been responded to by some success in recent years - even if several objects are only on loan.

Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering nation to repatriate a selection of the famous Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in an attempt to confront its "dark colonial history."

Related Themes

• Cultural Return Movements in Africa
• This Effect of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
• Global Movements for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts