The East African nation Welcomes Valuable Treasures Following a Century Residence in a German Family
A total of Twelve ancient objects were ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a family in Germany for over ten decades.
The treasures, first gathered in the 1920's by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife his partner, were handed over on Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.
The assortment contained royal crowns, protective shields and artistic works, each viewed as culturally significant in Ethiopia.
"These treasures still represent a mark of the lasting and positive relationship between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, Germany's envoy to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the items at a event joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's intention to restore the artefacts was to "showcase their appeal with the public and maintain the heritage and past linked to my parent's beginning."
These items were either donations or buys, according to the family.
"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss household for practically demonstrating their profound love for Ethiopia by carefully safeguarding these artifacts and vitally securing their repatriation to their legitimate country," said the official.
The minister continued that the items would in the near future be opened to the public for study and educational purposes, terming the move a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives are ongoing to bring back ancient artifacts that are found in the custody of collectors and organizations around the world," she affirmed.
During imperial control in Africa, thousands of cultural objects were plundered.
This demand by African countries for the repatriation of looted objects has been answered with certain success in the past few years - even if several items are just on loan.
In two years ago, the German government was the pioneering country to return a portion of the famous Benin artifacts to Nigeria as part of an effort to deal with its "complex colonial history."
Related Topics
- Cultural Return Initiatives in the Continent
- The Effect of Imperial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
- Global Movements for the Return of Stolen Treasures
