🔗 Share this article

Around 12 ancient objects have been officially given back to Ethiopia after being kept by a family in Germany for over ten decades.

The artefacts, originally acquired in the 1920's by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife his partner, were delivered on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

The assortment contained royal crowns, armor and paintings, each considered as historically important in Ethiopia.

"These items still stand as a symbol of the long-standing and positive ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the ambassador to Ethiopia.

Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's service in the nation, handed over the items at a ceremony witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He stated that the household's goal to return the treasures was to "showcase their beauty with the public and maintain the culture and past linked to my parent's birth."

The artefacts were either considered presents or buys, as stated by the household.

"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's household for practically demonstrating their deep affection for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these treasures and crucially securing their return to their proper nation," commented the minister of tourism.

The minister noted that the pieces would in the near future be opened to the people for research and academic study, describing the action a significant step in preserving the nation's historical legacy.

"Efforts are ongoing to bring back historical artifacts that are found in the custody of collectors and institutions around the planet," the minister said.

During colonialism in Africa, thousands of traditional objects were taken.

This call by nations in Africa for the repatriation of stolen items has been responded to by a degree of positive outcomes in the past few years - even if several items are just on temporary return.

Back in 2022, the German government was the pioneering nation to return a selection of the well-known Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people in a bid to address its "troubled past."

Connected Subjects

• Historical Repatriation Efforts in Africa
• This Impact of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts