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A total of Twelve cultural artefacts were formally restored to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a German family for over ten decades.

These items, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

This set contained royal crowns, armor and paintings, all considered as historically valuable in the country.

"These artefacts continue to stand as a mark of the long-standing and positive ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said the German diplomat, the envoy to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the household's service in the nation, delivered the items at a event attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's goal to restore the artefacts was to "display their splendor with the audience and preserve the culture and past tied to my parent's beginning."

These artefacts were either presents or purchases, based on the family.

"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss household for practically expressing their deep affection for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these artifacts and crucially guaranteeing their repatriation to their rightful nation," stated the official.

She continued that the items would in the near future be made accessible to the people for study and scholarly work, describing the move a landmark in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.

"Actions are ongoing to bring back ancient objects that are located in the possession of private persons and organizations all over the world," she said.

During colonial rule in the African continent, many of cultural objects were looted.

This call by the continent's states for the repatriation of stolen artefacts has been answered with some success in lately - even if several artefacts are just on loan.

Back in 2022, the German government was the pioneering country to return a selection of the well-known Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people in a bid to deal with its "troubled colonial history."

Related Topics

• Cultural Restoration Movements in Africa
• The Impact of Imperial Past on Contemporary African Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts