The East African nation Receives Valuable Items After a Long Residence in a German Family

A total of 12 cultural objects have been formally restored to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a family in Germany for over 100 years.

The artefacts, initially gathered in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.

This collection included crowns, shields and canvases, all viewed as historically valuable in Ethiopia.

"The items still stand as a symbol of the long-standing and friendly ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's representative to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the items at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the household's goal to restore the items was to "display their beauty with the people and maintain the culture and history connected to my father's birth."

These objects were either donations or purchases, based on the household.

"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss household for actively demonstrating their deep love for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these treasures and vitally securing their return to their proper nation," said the official.

She noted that the items would soon be available to the people for research and scholarly work, calling the move a landmark in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Efforts will continue to return historical artifacts that are found in the hands of private persons and institutions around the world," the minister affirmed.

In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, many of historical artefacts were plundered.

The call by nations in Africa for the restoration of taken items has been met with certain positive outcomes in recent years - though a number of objects are only on temporary return.

Back in two years ago, Germany was the first country to give back a portion of the famous historical items to the Nigerian people in an attempt to confront its "troubled past."

Connected Subjects

• Historical Restoration Efforts in Africa
• The Effect of Imperial History on Modern African Heritage
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Looted Treasures