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Around 12 ancient objects have been officially returned to Ethiopia following being kept by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years.

The treasures, initially acquired in the early twentieth century by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.

This assortment contained crowns, armor and artistic works, all regarded as culturally important in the country.

"The artefacts continue to serve as a mark of the lasting and positive connection between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's representative to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, delivered the artefacts at a gathering attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He stated that the household's intention to give back the artefacts was to "showcase their appeal with the audience and maintain the culture and past connected to my father's origin."

These items were either presents or buys, based on the relatives.

"I would like to express gratitude to the Weiss household for actively showing their profound love for the nation by carefully preserving these treasures and importantly securing their repatriation to their rightful nation," commented the minister of tourism.

The minister added that the artefacts would in the near future be opened to the public for research and scholarly work, calling the action a landmark in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.

"Efforts will continue to return historical objects that are located in the custody of private persons and institutions throughout the globe," the minister stated.

In the era of colonialism in the African continent, numerous of cultural items were taken.

This demand by African countries for the return of looted artefacts has been responded to by certain success in recent years - though a number of items are just on short-term display.

Back in 2022, Germany was the first country to return a selection of the well-known historical items to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "troubled legacy."

Connected Subjects

• Cultural Repatriation Movements in the Continent
• This Effect of Colonial Past on Contemporary African Culture
• International Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Treasures