The East African nation Takes Back Valuable Artefacts Following a Long Holding in German Hands
A total of 12 ancient artefacts were officially returned to Ethiopia following remaining by a household from Germany for more than 100 years.
These treasures, originally acquired in the early twentieth century by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.
The set featured headpieces, protective shields and paintings, each viewed as culturally significant in the country.
"These artefacts continue to stand as a symbol of the long-standing and positive connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a gathering joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He explained that the household's intention to return the items was to "display their splendor with the audience and maintain the culture and past connected to my parent's birth."
The objects were either donations or buys, based on the family.
"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for practically showing their deep love for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these items and importantly ensuring their return to their rightful country," said the official.
The minister added that the pieces would shortly be available to the general audience for research and educational purposes, describing the move a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Actions persist to return ancient objects that are held in the hands of individuals and organizations around the world," she affirmed.
In the era of colonialism in the African continent, numerous of traditional items were plundered.
The call by African countries for the repatriation of stolen artefacts has been answered with some positive outcomes in recent years - even if a number of objects are merely on short-term display.
In two years ago, the German government was the pioneering state to return a selection of the famous historical items to the West African nation in a bid to address its "troubled colonial history."
Related Topics
- Historical Restoration Efforts in the Continent
- The Significance of Imperial Past on Modern African Culture
- Global Movements for the Restitution of Looted Treasures
