The East African nation Receives Historic Artefacts After a Long Holding in German Hands
Exactly 12 ancient artefacts were officially restored to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a German family for over ten decades.
The items, first acquired in the 1920's by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
This set contained royal crowns, armor and canvases, all considered as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.
"These treasures continue to represent a emblem of the lasting and positive relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, the representative to Ethiopia.
Professor a professor, whose parent was born during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a event attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's aim to give back the artefacts was to "showcase their beauty with the people and maintain the culture and history connected to my father's birth."
These objects were either gifts or purchases, according to the household.
"I want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for practically expressing their profound affection for the nation by carefully preserving these artifacts and importantly ensuring their homecoming to their proper homeland," commented the minister of tourism.
The minister added that the items would in the near future be available to the public for study and educational purposes, calling the move a landmark in safeguarding the nation's historical legacy.
"Initiatives are ongoing to return ancient artifacts that are located in the possession of private persons and entities throughout the globe," she said.
In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, many of cultural items were taken.
The demand by nations in Africa for the return of taken items has been responded to by a degree of success in recent years - although several artefacts are merely on loan.
Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering country to give back a selection of the famous Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in an attempt to confront its "complex past."
Similar Themes
- Cultural Restoration Movements in Africa
- This Impact of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures
