The East African nation Receives Historic Treasures After a 100-Year Stay in a German Family
Exactly Twelve ancient artefacts have been ceremoniously returned to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a German family for over 100 years.
These artefacts, originally acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.
The set included crowns, shields and artistic works, all viewed as historically valuable in Ethiopia.
"These items continue to represent a symbol of the long-standing and positive relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, delivered the artefacts at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He said that the household's intention to return the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the public and maintain the culture and past linked to my father's origin."
The artefacts were either considered gifts or purchases, based on the relatives.
"We want to thank Professor Weiss's household for actively expressing their profound affection for the nation by carefully maintaining these items and crucially guaranteeing their repatriation to their proper nation," commented the tourism minister.
The minister added that the items would in the near future be available to the public for research and educational purposes, terming the move a milestone in protecting the nation's national treasures.
"Efforts will continue to repatriate old items that are found in the hands of individuals and entities around the world," the minister stated.
During colonialism in the African continent, numerous of cultural items were looted.
The request by the continent's states for the restoration of looted artefacts has been responded to by certain progress in lately - even if a number of artefacts are only on temporary return.
In 2022, Germany was the initial country to repatriate some of the renowned historical items to the West African nation in a bid to address its "troubled legacy."
Related Subjects
- Cultural Repatriation Movements in Africa
- This Effect of Imperial History on Modern African Culture
- International Movements for the Return of Looted Artefacts