The East African nation Receives Cultural Treasures After a Century Stay in German Hands
A total of Twelve cultural items have been formally given back to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a household from Germany for over 100 years.
These items, originally acquired in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The collection featured headpieces, armor and canvases, all considered as historically valuable in the nation.
"The items still serve as a symbol of the long-standing and friendly relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, the ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the household's assignment in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He said that the household's intention to restore the treasures was to "showcase their splendor with the public and safeguard the culture and history linked to my father's beginning."
These objects were either considered gifts or purchases, based on the household.
"I want to thank Professor Weiss's family for actively showing their sincere affection for the nation by diligently safeguarding these items and crucially ensuring their return to their legitimate nation," said the tourism minister.
The minister noted that the artefacts would soon be made accessible to the public for investigation and academic study, describing the decision a significant step in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Efforts are ongoing to return old objects that are found in the possession of individuals and entities throughout the planet," she said.
In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of historical artefacts were taken.
The demand by African countries for the return of stolen objects has been responded to by certain success in recent years - although some artefacts are just on temporary return.
In the year 2022, the German government was the first nation to return some of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in a bid to confront its "dark past."
Related Topics
- Cultural Return Efforts in the Continent
- This Impact of Colonial History on Modern Ethiopian Culture
- Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Items
