The East African nation Takes Back Cultural Artefacts Following a Century Residence in German Hands
Around Twelve ancient items were officially restored to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a household from Germany for more than a century.
These artefacts, originally collected in the 1920s by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the research center at Addis Ababa University.
The collection contained royal crowns, shields and canvases, each considered as culturally important in Ethiopia.
"These artefacts continue to represent a emblem of the lasting and friendly relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, Germany's representative to Ethiopia.
Professor a professor, whose father was delivered during the household's assignment in the nation, handed over the artefacts at a event attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He said that the family's goal to restore the artefacts was to "share their splendor with the public and preserve the heritage and history tied to my parent's origin."
The items were either considered presents or acquisitions, as stated by the family.
"We want to thank the Weiss family for actively showing their sincere affection for the nation by diligently maintaining these items and importantly securing their homecoming to their proper country," commented the minister of tourism.
The minister added that the pieces would in the near future be opened to the public for research and educational purposes, terming the action a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Actions will continue to bring back old artifacts that are held in the custody of collectors and institutions around the planet," the minister said.
In the era of colonialism in Africa, numerous of traditional objects were looted.
The call by African countries for the return of stolen items has been responded to by certain success in recent years - although some artefacts are only on temporary return.
Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering state to give back a selection of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to address its "dark past."
Similar Subjects
- Historical Restoration Movements in Africa
- This Impact of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- International Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures
