Ethiopia Welcomes Cultural Items After a Century Holding in Germany

A total of Twelve cultural artefacts were ceremoniously given back to the Ethiopian nation after remaining by a family in Germany for more than ten decades.

These items, originally collected in the early twentieth century by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife his partner, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

This assortment included headpieces, protective shields and paintings, all viewed as historically significant in Ethiopia.

"These artefacts still stand as a symbol of the lasting and amicable relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to Ethiopia.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He stated that the household's intention to restore the items was to "display their beauty with the public and maintain the heritage and history connected to my father's birth."

These items were either considered donations or purchases, based on the household.

"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for practically showing their profound affection for Ethiopia by carefully safeguarding these treasures and vitally securing their repatriation to their proper country," stated the tourism minister.

The minister continued that the artefacts would shortly be opened to the general audience for study and educational purposes, describing the decision a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Initiatives are ongoing to bring back historical objects that are found in the possession of private persons and organizations around the planet," she stated.

During colonialism in Africa, many of traditional artefacts were taken.

This demand by the continent's states for the restoration of taken objects has been responded to by a degree of success in lately - even if several objects are merely on temporary return.

In two years ago, the German government was the first state to repatriate some of the famous Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in a bid to deal with its "troubled colonial history."

Similar Themes

• Cultural Restoration Efforts in Africa
• The Significance of Colonial Past on Contemporary African Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts