Ethiopia Welcomes Historic Treasures Following a Century Stay in German Hands
A total of Twelve cultural objects were formally restored to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a household from Germany for more than a century.
The items, initially acquired in the 1920s by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.
The set contained headpieces, shields and paintings, all regarded as historically valuable in the nation.
"These items continue to serve as a mark of the lasting and friendly connection between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's representative to Ethiopia.
Professor a professor, whose parent was delivered during the family's diplomatic posting in the nation, presented the items at a event witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the household's goal to return the items was to "share their splendor with the people and safeguard the heritage and history linked to my father's beginning."
The items were either considered presents or purchases, based on the family.
"We want to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for practically expressing their profound love for the nation by carefully maintaining these treasures and vitally guaranteeing their homecoming to their legitimate country," stated the minister of tourism.
She continued that the pieces would in the near future be available to the public for investigation and scholarly work, terming the decision a significant step in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Initiatives are ongoing to return ancient objects that are held in the hands of individuals and organizations all over the planet," the minister affirmed.
During colonialism in the African continent, numerous of historical artefacts were looted.
This call by African countries for the return of stolen objects has been responded to by some success in recent years - although a number of objects are only on short-term display.
In two years ago, Germany was the pioneering country to return a portion of the famous Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "dark legacy."
Connected Subjects
- Historical Repatriation Efforts in Africa
- The Impact of Imperial Past on Contemporary African Culture
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts
