Ethiopia Takes Back Cultural Treasures After a Century Stay in a German Family
Exactly 12 ancient artefacts were formally restored to Ethiopia after being kept by a household from Germany for over a century.
The treasures, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the research center at Addis Ababa University.
The assortment featured crowns, protective shields and artistic works, all regarded as culturally significant in Ethiopia.
"The treasures continue to represent a mark of the lasting and friendly ties between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, Germany's representative to the East African country.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a ceremony witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He stated that the household's aim to give back the artefacts was to "share their appeal with the public and maintain the heritage and past tied to my father's origin."
The objects were either donations or purchases, according to the household.
"We would like to thank the Weiss household for practically demonstrating their sincere appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully maintaining these artifacts and importantly guaranteeing their repatriation to their legitimate homeland," said the tourism minister.
She noted that the items would shortly be available to the public for study and educational purposes, describing the move a landmark in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives will continue to return historical items that are located in the custody of private persons and organizations around the planet," she stated.
During colonialism in Africa, many of cultural items were looted.
The demand by the continent's states for the return of taken objects has been responded to by some success in lately - though some items are only on temporary return.
Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering country to return a portion of the well-known Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to address its "dark legacy."
Connected Themes
- Cultural Return Movements in the Continent
- This Effect of Imperial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- International Movements for the Restitution of Looted Treasures
