Ethiopia Receives Historic Artefacts Following a Century Residence in Germany
Around Twelve cultural items were ceremoniously given back to Ethiopia after staying by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years.
The items, initially gathered in the 1920's by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.
This assortment contained royal crowns, armor and paintings, all regarded as historically important in Ethiopia.
"These artefacts continue to stand as a symbol of the long-standing and positive ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated the German diplomat, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the family's service in the nation, handed over the items at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's intention to give back the artefacts was to "showcase their beauty with the public and safeguard the culture and past tied to my parent's origin."
These objects were either considered donations or buys, as stated by the family.
"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's family for actively demonstrating their deep love for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these artifacts and importantly ensuring their homecoming to their rightful homeland," said the minister of tourism.
The minister continued that the pieces would in the near future be opened to the public for research and scholarly work, terming the decision a landmark in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Actions will continue to bring back historical artifacts that are found in the hands of collectors and institutions around the globe," the minister affirmed.
In the era of colonial rule in Africa, many of traditional items were looted.
The demand by African countries for the restoration of looted objects has been met with some success in the past few years - although some artefacts are merely on temporary return.
In 2022, Germany was the initial country to return a portion of the famous Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in a bid to deal with its "troubled legacy."
Related Subjects
- Cultural Repatriation Efforts in the Continent
- The Impact of Imperial Past on Modern African Culture
- Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts
