Ethiopia Receives Historic Treasures Following a Long Stay in German Hands

Cultural Artefacts — This Collection Comprises Crowns, Shields and Paintings All Considered as Historically Valuable

Exactly Twelve ancient items have been ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia after being kept by a family in Germany for over 100 years.

These artefacts, first gathered in the early twentieth century by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were handed over on midweek to the research center at Addis Ababa University.

The collection featured headpieces, armor and artistic works, all considered as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.

"These treasures continue to represent a emblem of the enduring and friendly ties between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the envoy to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the household's service in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He said that the household's goal to return the artefacts was to "share their splendor with the public and preserve the culture and history linked to my father's birth."

Research Viewing — These Items Are Scheduled to Be Opened to the People for Research and Educational Purposes

These artefacts were either donations or buys, based on the family.

"I would like to express gratitude to the Weiss family for practically demonstrating their deep affection for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these items and importantly guaranteeing their return to their rightful nation," said the official.

The minister noted that the pieces would shortly be made accessible to the general audience for investigation and academic study, terming the move a landmark in safeguarding the nation's historical legacy.

"Actions will continue to bring back old artifacts that are held in the possession of private persons and organizations throughout the planet," she stated.

In the era of colonial rule in Africa, many of cultural items were plundered.

The demand by nations in Africa for the return of taken objects has been answered with some progress in lately - though a number of items are only on short-term display.

Back in 2022, Germany was the pioneering nation to return some of the famous Benin artifacts to Nigeria in an attempt to address its "troubled legacy."