The East African nation Receives Valuable Treasures Following a Long Stay in a German Family
Exactly Twelve cultural objects were officially restored to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a German family for more than a century.
These treasures, originally acquired in the 1920's by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The assortment included headpieces, shields and paintings, all viewed as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.
"The treasures continue to represent a emblem of the long-standing and friendly connection between Germany and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the items at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the household's goal to give back the artefacts was to "display their appeal with the people and safeguard the culture and past linked to my parent's origin."
These items were either donations or acquisitions, as stated by the household.
"We want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for concretely expressing their sincere love for the nation by meticulously preserving these treasures and importantly guaranteeing their return to their rightful nation," said the tourism minister.
The minister noted that the pieces would in the near future be opened to the people for investigation and scholarly work, describing the decision a significant step in safeguarding Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Actions persist to bring back old items that are found in the possession of individuals and institutions all over the globe," she stated.
In the era of imperial control in the African continent, thousands of cultural items were plundered.
This request by African countries for the repatriation of stolen artefacts has been responded to by some success in recent years - even if several objects are just on temporary return.
Back in the year 2022, Germany was the initial country to repatriate some of the renowned Benin artifacts to Nigeria as part of an effort to confront its "complex colonial history."
Similar Themes
- Cultural Return Movements in Africa
- This Significance of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Items
