Ethiopia Receives Valuable Treasures Following a Century Stay in a German Family
A total of 12 ancient items have been ceremoniously restored to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for more than 100 years.
These artefacts, first collected in the 1920's by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were transferred on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The assortment contained royal crowns, armor and canvases, each considered as historically important in Ethiopia.
"These treasures still serve as a mark of the long-standing and amicable connection between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," remarked the German diplomat, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the items at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the family's intention to give back the items was to "share their beauty with the audience and maintain the heritage and past linked to my parent's origin."
The objects were either considered presents or acquisitions, according to the family.
"I would like to thank the Weiss relatives for practically demonstrating their deep affection for the nation by carefully safeguarding these artifacts and vitally securing their repatriation to their legitimate country," stated the tourism minister.
She added that the items would shortly be available to the general audience for investigation and scholarly work, describing the decision a milestone in protecting the nation's historical legacy.
"Actions persist to bring back ancient objects that are located in the custody of collectors and organizations all over the globe," the minister affirmed.
During colonial rule in Africa, thousands of traditional artefacts were plundered.
The request by African countries for the restoration of taken items has been met with certain positive outcomes in the past few years - although a number of items are just on loan.
Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering nation to return some of the renowned Benin artifacts to the West African nation as part of an effort to address its "complex colonial history."
Similar Topics
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