Ethiopia Receives Cultural Treasures After a Century Holding in German Hands
A total of Twelve ancient items were ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years.
These treasures, initially collected in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
This assortment contained royal crowns, shields and paintings, all considered as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.
"These items still stand as a symbol of the lasting and friendly ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.
Professor a professor, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, delivered the objects at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's intention to return the items was to "showcase their appeal with the audience and preserve the culture and history tied to my father's birth."
These artefacts were either presents or purchases, according to the family.
"We would like to thank the Weiss relatives for concretely expressing their sincere affection for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these artifacts and importantly securing their homecoming to their rightful country," said the official.
The minister noted that the artefacts would shortly be available to the people for research and scholarly work, terming the action a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Efforts persist to return old objects that are found in the custody of private persons and entities all over the planet," the minister affirmed.
In the era of colonial rule in Africa, thousands of historical items were plundered.
The call by African countries for the restoration of taken objects has been answered with certain positive outcomes in the past few years - even if several artefacts are merely on temporary return.
Back in the year 2022, Germany was the first nation to return a portion of the renowned Benin artifacts to Nigeria in a bid to deal with its "complex past."
Related Themes
- Historical Restoration Efforts in the Continent
- This Impact of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Items
