The East African nation Receives Cultural Artefacts After a Century Stay in a German Family
Around 12 ancient objects were officially given back to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a family in Germany for over 100 years.
The treasures, originally acquired in the 1920s by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
This collection contained royal crowns, shields and paintings, each considered as culturally important in the nation.
"The artefacts continue to represent a mark of the enduring and amicable connection between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's service in Ethiopia, delivered the objects at a gathering witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He said that the household's intention to give back the items was to "showcase their splendor with the audience and maintain the culture and history connected to my father's beginning."
The items were either considered gifts or buys, according to the family.
"I would like to thank Professor Weiss's household for practically expressing their sincere affection for Ethiopia by diligently preserving these treasures and vitally securing their return to their rightful nation," said the minister of tourism.
The minister continued that the artefacts would in the near future be opened to the general audience for research and educational purposes, describing the move a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Actions are ongoing to repatriate old artifacts that are found in the hands of private persons and entities around the globe," she said.
During imperial control in Africa, numerous of cultural artefacts were plundered.
The demand by the continent's states for the repatriation of looted items has been met with certain positive outcomes in recent years - though some items are only on temporary return.
In two years ago, Germany was the initial nation to repatriate a selection of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "troubled legacy."
Similar Themes
- Historical Repatriation Initiatives in the Continent
- This Effect of Colonial History on Contemporary African Heritage
- International Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Items
