🔗 Share this article

Around Twelve cultural artefacts have been officially returned to Ethiopia after remaining by a household from Germany for over 100 years.

These treasures, initially gathered in the 1920's by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were transferred on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.

This set featured royal crowns, shields and artistic works, each viewed as culturally significant in Ethiopia.

"These treasures still stand as a symbol of the long-standing and friendly connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," said the German diplomat, the representative to the East African country.

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

He explained that the household's goal to restore the artefacts was to "showcase their splendor with the people and safeguard the culture and history linked to my father's birth."

These artefacts were either considered presents or acquisitions, based on the family.

"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's household for practically demonstrating their profound affection for Ethiopia by carefully maintaining these artifacts and crucially guaranteeing their homecoming to their rightful homeland," stated the official.

The minister noted that the pieces would soon be available to the public for investigation and educational purposes, terming the action a significant step in protecting Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Initiatives are ongoing to return historical artifacts that are located in the custody of collectors and entities throughout the globe," she stated.

During colonial rule in the African continent, many of traditional items were taken.

This request by the continent's states for the repatriation of taken items has been answered with a degree of success in recent years - although some items are only on short-term display.

Back in 2022, Germany was the first state to return some of the famous Benin artifacts to Nigeria in a bid to address its "complex past."

Connected Themes

• Cultural Restoration Efforts in the Continent
• The Effect of Colonial Past on Modern African Heritage
• International Movements for the Restitution of Looted Items