The East African nation Receives Cultural Items After a 100-Year Holding in Germany
A total of Twelve cultural artefacts have been formally restored to Ethiopia after remaining by a German family for more than ten decades.
These items, originally acquired in the 1920s by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The collection contained royal crowns, armor and artistic works, all viewed as culturally valuable in the country.
"The treasures still serve as a mark of the enduring and positive connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the family's goal to return the treasures was to "share their splendor with the audience and safeguard the culture and history tied to my parent's birth."
These artefacts were either presents or purchases, based on the family.
"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for actively demonstrating their sincere love for Ethiopia by diligently safeguarding these items and crucially securing their repatriation to their rightful nation," stated the minister of tourism.
She added that the pieces would shortly be opened to the general audience for study and scholarly work, calling the decision a landmark in protecting the nation's cultural heritage.
"Efforts are ongoing to bring back historical artifacts that are held in the hands of individuals and organizations all over the planet," she affirmed.
In the era of colonialism in the African continent, many of traditional objects were looted.
The demand by African countries for the return of looted objects has been responded to by a degree of success in the past few years - though some objects are just on loan.
In 2022, Germany was the initial nation to repatriate a selection of the renowned historical items to Nigeria in a bid to deal with its "dark colonial history."
Related Themes
- Historical Restoration Movements in Africa
- This Impact of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Return of Looted Artefacts
