Ethiopia Takes Back Cultural Artefacts Following a 100-Year Residence in German Hands
A total of 12 cultural items were formally returned to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a German family for over 100 years.
The artefacts, initially collected in the 1920s by Germany's representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.
This set included crowns, shields and paintings, each considered as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.
"The items continue to serve as a emblem of the lasting and friendly connection between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.
Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a event joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He explained that the household's goal to give back the artefacts was to "showcase their splendor with the people and maintain the culture and past tied to my father's origin."
The items were either considered gifts or acquisitions, according to the family.
"We would like to thank the Weiss relatives for actively expressing their deep appreciation for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these artifacts and vitally ensuring their homecoming to their legitimate country," said the tourism minister.
She noted that the pieces would soon be made accessible to the people for investigation and educational purposes, calling the move a significant step in preserving the nation's historical legacy.
"Efforts are ongoing to repatriate historical objects that are located in the hands of collectors and organizations all over the planet," the minister stated.
In the era of colonialism in Africa, many of traditional items were taken.
This request by nations in Africa for the restoration of stolen items has been met with a degree of positive outcomes in recent years - although a number of items are just on temporary return.
In 2022, Germany was the pioneering country to return some of the famous Benin artifacts to the West African nation in a bid to deal with its "complex past."
Related Themes
- Cultural Return Initiatives in Africa
- The Significance of Imperial History on Contemporary African Heritage
- International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items
