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A total of Twelve ancient artefacts have been officially restored to Ethiopia following being kept by a German family for over a century.

The items, originally acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

The collection featured royal crowns, shields and paintings, each regarded as culturally important in Ethiopia.

"The artefacts continue to serve as a mark of the long-standing and positive connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated Germany's envoy, Germany's representative to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's service in the nation, handed over the objects at a gathering witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He stated that the household's goal to give back the treasures was to "share their beauty with the public and maintain the heritage and history connected to my father's birth."

These objects were either gifts or buys, as stated by the relatives.

"I want to thank the Weiss household for actively demonstrating their profound love for Ethiopia by carefully maintaining these artifacts and vitally guaranteeing their repatriation to their rightful nation," stated the official.

The minister continued that the items would soon be available to the public for research and academic study, describing the decision a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Actions will continue to bring back old items that are located in the custody of individuals and institutions all over the globe," the minister stated.

During imperial control in the African continent, numerous of traditional objects were looted.

This demand by the continent's states for the return of stolen items has been met with some progress in the past few years - although several items are only on short-term display.

Back in the year 2022, Germany was the first nation to give back some of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to address its "troubled legacy."

Similar Topics

• Historical Restoration Movements in the Continent
• The Effect of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• International Movements for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts