Ethiopia Takes Back Historic Items After a Century Holding in German Hands
Around Twelve cultural artefacts have been officially restored to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a German family for more than a century.
These items, first collected in the 1920's by Germany's diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The set featured headpieces, protective shields and canvases, each viewed as culturally important in Ethiopia.
"These items still stand as a emblem of the lasting and amicable connection between Germany and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, Germany's representative to Ethiopia.
Professor a professor, whose father was delivered during the household's assignment in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the household's aim to restore the artefacts was to "showcase their appeal with the public and preserve the culture and history linked to my father's origin."
The items were either donations or buys, as stated by the family.
"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's household for actively demonstrating their sincere affection for the nation by meticulously maintaining these treasures and vitally securing their return to their rightful nation," commented the minister of tourism.
The minister continued that the pieces would soon be available to the people for research and educational purposes, calling the action a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Efforts are ongoing to repatriate historical items that are found in the custody of individuals and entities around the globe," she affirmed.
During imperial control in the African continent, numerous of cultural objects were taken.
The request by African countries for the repatriation of looted objects has been met with some positive outcomes in the past few years - though some items are only on temporary return.
In the year 2022, the German government was the first country to give back a selection of the famous historical items to the Nigerian people in an attempt to deal with its "dark legacy."
Related Subjects
- Historical Repatriation Efforts in Africa
- The Effect of Imperial History on Modern African Heritage
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Items
