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Around Twelve historical artefacts were formally returned to Ethiopia following staying by a family in Germany for in excess of ten decades.

The artefacts, originally acquired in the 1920s by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.

The assortment featured headpieces, protective shields and artistic works, each considered as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.

"These treasures continue to serve as a symbol of the lasting and amicable connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, the representative to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the family's goal to return the treasures was to "showcase their beauty with the public and maintain the heritage and past tied to my parent's birth."

These items were either considered presents or acquisitions, as stated by the relatives.

"We want to thank the Weiss relatives for actively demonstrating their sincere love for the nation by carefully preserving these items and importantly ensuring their return to their legitimate homeland," stated the tourism minister.

The minister continued that the pieces would soon be made accessible to the people for study and academic study, describing the decision a significant step in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.

"Initiatives are ongoing to bring back old items that are located in the custody of private persons and organizations all over the world," the minister affirmed.

During colonialism in the African continent, numerous of cultural items were taken.

This request by nations in Africa for the restoration of taken items has been answered with some progress in the past few years - though some objects are only on loan.

In the year 2022, the German government was the initial state to return some of the well-known Benin artifacts to Nigeria in an attempt to deal with its "complex past."

Connected Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Movements in the Continent
• The Impact of Colonial History on Contemporary African Heritage
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items