The East African nation Receives Cultural Items After a 100-Year Residence in a German Family

A total of 12 ancient items have been officially given back to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a household from Germany for over 100 years.

The treasures, first acquired in the 1920's by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.

The collection featured royal crowns, shields and artistic works, all considered as culturally significant in the country.

"The items still represent a emblem of the long-standing and positive relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's service in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a gathering witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the family's goal to give back the items was to "display their beauty with the audience and preserve the culture and past linked to my parent's birth."

These artefacts were either donations or acquisitions, as stated by the household.

"We want to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for practically expressing their deep affection for the nation by carefully maintaining these artifacts and importantly securing their repatriation to their legitimate nation," said the minister of tourism.

The minister added that the items would soon be available to the public for research and educational purposes, terming the move a significant step in safeguarding Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Actions will continue to repatriate ancient objects that are located in the hands of individuals and organizations all over the globe," the minister stated.

During colonial rule in the African continent, many of traditional items were plundered.

The call by African countries for the repatriation of looted artefacts has been answered with certain success in recent years - although several objects are only on loan.

Back in 2022, the German government was the first country to return some of the renowned historical items to the West African nation in an attempt to deal with its "complex legacy."

Connected Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Efforts in the Continent
• This Impact of Imperial History on Modern African Heritage
• Global Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures