Ethiopia Welcomes Valuable Items After a Century Holding in German Hands
Around 12 historical artefacts have been officially restored to Ethiopia after remaining by a family in Germany for over 100 years.
The artefacts, first acquired in the early twentieth century by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
The assortment included royal crowns, armor and artistic works, each considered as culturally significant in the nation.
"The artefacts continue to represent a symbol of the enduring and friendly connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to Ethiopia.
Dr. a professor, whose father was delivered during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the items at a gathering witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He said that the household's intention to restore the treasures was to "showcase their beauty with the people and maintain the heritage and past tied to my father's birth."
These objects were either donations or buys, based on the household.
"I would like to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for practically showing their profound appreciation for the nation by meticulously maintaining these items and importantly securing their homecoming to their proper homeland," said the official.
She noted that the items would soon be made accessible to the people for research and academic study, describing the decision a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Efforts will continue to bring back historical objects that are held in the possession of private persons and institutions around the globe," she stated.
In the era of colonialism in the African continent, numerous of cultural artefacts were plundered.
The call by the continent's states for the return of looted objects has been responded to by some success in the past few years - even if several objects are just on loan.
In 2022, the German government was the pioneering country to return a selection of the well-known Benin artifacts to the West African nation in an attempt to address its "complex legacy."
Related Themes
- Historical Restoration Movements in the Continent
- This Impact of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Culture
- Global Movements for the Restitution of Looted Treasures
