The East African nation Takes Back Historic Artefacts After a 100-Year Residence in a German Family
A total of 12 ancient artefacts were officially given back to Ethiopia after remaining by a German family for more than 100 years.
These treasures, first acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.
The collection featured crowns, armor and canvases, each viewed as historically important in the nation.
"These items still represent a mark of the long-standing and friendly connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked Germany's envoy, Germany's envoy to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the objects at a gathering joined by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He stated that the family's aim to return the items was to "display their appeal with the public and safeguard the heritage and history connected to my father's birth."
The items were either considered presents or acquisitions, according to the household.
"We want to thank Professor Weiss's family for actively showing their deep affection for the nation by meticulously maintaining these treasures and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their rightful nation," stated the tourism minister.
She noted that the artefacts would soon be opened to the general audience for investigation and educational purposes, describing the move a significant step in safeguarding the nation's historical legacy.
"Initiatives are ongoing to return old artifacts that are located in the hands of collectors and institutions all over the globe," the minister said.
During colonialism in Africa, thousands of cultural objects were plundered.
This request by African countries for the repatriation of taken items has been answered with a degree of progress in the past few years - though some objects are only on short-term display.
In 2022, Germany was the pioneering state to give back some of the famous historical items to the Nigerian people in an attempt to confront its "troubled legacy."
Related Themes
- Cultural Restoration Movements in the Continent
- The Effect of Imperial Past on Contemporary African Culture
- International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items
