Ethiopia Welcomes Valuable Treasures Following a Century Stay in Germany
A total of Twelve historical items were officially given back to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a household from Germany for in excess of a century.
These treasures, first gathered in the early twentieth century by Germany's representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.
The collection included crowns, protective shields and paintings, each viewed as historically important in the nation.
"The treasures continue to represent a mark of the lasting and positive connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked the German diplomat, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the family's diplomatic posting in the nation, handed over the artefacts at a ceremony joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the household's intention to give back the artefacts was to "showcase their appeal with the audience and preserve the culture and history linked to my parent's birth."
The objects were either considered gifts or acquisitions, based on the relatives.
"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for actively demonstrating their profound affection for the nation by diligently maintaining these artifacts and importantly securing their repatriation to their rightful nation," said the official.
The minister added that the pieces would in the near future be made accessible to the public for research and scholarly work, calling the decision a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's national treasures.
"Initiatives persist to return old items that are located in the hands of collectors and organizations throughout the planet," she said.
During colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of traditional items were taken.
This demand by the continent's states for the restoration of taken objects has been met with some progress in the past few years - although some items are merely on short-term display.
In two years ago, the German government was the pioneering nation to repatriate a portion of the famous Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people in a bid to address its "troubled colonial history."
Related Themes
- Historical Return Efforts in the Continent
- The Effect of Colonial History on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
- International Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures
