Ethiopia Receives Historic Treasures After a Long Residence in a German Family
Around Twelve cultural objects have been formally returned to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a German family for in excess of ten decades.
These artefacts, initially collected in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The collection contained crowns, protective shields and paintings, all considered as culturally valuable in the nation.
"These treasures continue to represent a emblem of the lasting and positive relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the family's diplomatic posting in the nation, delivered the objects at a event witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the family's goal to restore the treasures was to "display their splendor with the public and safeguard the culture and history linked to my parent's beginning."
The objects were either gifts or acquisitions, as stated by the relatives.
"I want to thank the Weiss household for practically showing their profound appreciation for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these items and vitally ensuring their repatriation to their legitimate country," stated the official.
The minister continued that the items would in the near future be made accessible to the people for research and educational purposes, calling the decision a significant step in protecting the nation's cultural heritage.
"Efforts are ongoing to return old items that are held in the custody of private persons and entities all over the globe," the minister said.
In the era of colonialism in Africa, many of historical objects were plundered.
This call by nations in Africa for the return of stolen items has been answered with some success in the past few years - although some objects are only on short-term display.
Back in the year 2022, the German government was the pioneering country to give back some of the renowned historical items to the West African nation in a bid to address its "complex colonial history."
Related Topics
- Cultural Repatriation Movements in Africa
- The Effect of Imperial Past on Modern African Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Artefacts
