Ethiopia Takes Back Valuable Treasures After a Century Stay in Germany
Exactly Twelve historical objects were ceremoniously returned to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a German family for more than a century.
These items, originally collected in the 1920s by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.
The set contained headpieces, shields and canvases, all viewed as historically important in Ethiopia.
"The items still serve as a mark of the enduring and positive relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a gathering joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the family's aim to give back the items was to "display their beauty with the public and maintain the culture and history connected to my father's birth."
These objects were either presents or acquisitions, as stated by the relatives.
"I would like to thank Professor Weiss's household for practically expressing their deep affection for Ethiopia by carefully safeguarding these treasures and crucially guaranteeing their repatriation to their legitimate homeland," said the tourism minister.
The minister noted that the items would soon be available to the public for research and scholarly work, terming the move a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.
"Actions are ongoing to return old objects that are found in the possession of collectors and institutions around the planet," the minister affirmed.
During colonial rule in Africa, numerous of cultural items were taken.
The call by African countries for the return of looted objects has been answered with some success in lately - although several objects are only on loan.
In 2022, the German government was the initial nation to repatriate a selection of the renowned Benin artifacts to Nigeria in an attempt to confront its "troubled legacy."
Connected Topics
- Historical Return Movements in Africa
- This Significance of Imperial Past on Modern African Heritage
- International Movements for the Return of Looted Artefacts
