The East African nation Welcomes Cultural Treasures After a Century Stay in German Hands
Exactly Twelve ancient items have been formally returned to Ethiopia after staying by a household from Germany for over 100 years.
These artefacts, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.
This assortment contained royal crowns, protective shields and paintings, all considered as historically significant in the country.
"The treasures continue to stand as a symbol of the long-standing and positive relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said Germany's envoy, the envoy to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the household's service in Ethiopia, delivered the items at a ceremony joined by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He said that the household's aim to return the artefacts was to "share their beauty with the public and safeguard the culture and past connected to my father's birth."
The artefacts were either presents or buys, as stated by the household.
"I would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for practically expressing their sincere appreciation for the nation by diligently maintaining these artifacts and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their rightful country," stated the tourism minister.
The minister noted that the artefacts would soon be made accessible to the people for investigation and scholarly work, terming the action a landmark in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Actions are ongoing to bring back old objects that are found in the hands of collectors and entities around the planet," she said.
During colonialism in the African continent, thousands of traditional items were taken.
This call by nations in Africa for the repatriation of stolen objects has been responded to by a degree of progress in the past few years - though some items are only on short-term display.
Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering country to repatriate some of the renowned historical items to the West African nation in an attempt to confront its "dark legacy."
Related Themes
- Cultural Restoration Movements in Africa
- The Impact of Imperial Past on Modern African Heritage
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Treasures
