The East African nation Receives Historic Items After a 100-Year Holding in a German Family

Exactly Twelve cultural items were formally returned to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a German family for over a century.

The items, first gathered in the 1920's by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were delivered on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

This set featured headpieces, protective shields and artistic works, all considered as culturally important in the country.

"These items still serve as a mark of the enduring and positive ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's service in the nation, presented the artefacts at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the household's intention to give back the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the audience and preserve the heritage and past connected to my father's beginning."

The artefacts were either gifts or acquisitions, based on the household.

"We would like to express gratitude to the Weiss family for practically demonstrating their deep love for Ethiopia by carefully preserving these items and importantly ensuring their return to their legitimate country," commented the minister of tourism.

The minister noted that the items would in the near future be made accessible to the people for study and educational purposes, calling the action a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Initiatives persist to return historical objects that are found in the custody of collectors and entities around the globe," she affirmed.

During colonialism in Africa, many of historical artefacts were looted.

This call by African countries for the restoration of stolen objects has been answered with some success in recent years - even if several items are just on temporary return.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the first country to return a selection of the renowned Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people in an attempt to confront its "troubled legacy."

Related Themes

• Cultural Return Efforts in the Continent
• This Impact of Colonial History on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures