The East African nation Receives Cultural Treasures After a 100-Year Residence in a German Family
Exactly Twelve ancient artefacts were formally returned to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a household from Germany for more than a century.
These treasures, first gathered in the early twentieth century by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.
The assortment featured royal crowns, protective shields and artistic works, all viewed as historically important in Ethiopia.
"The items still stand as a emblem of the enduring and friendly ties between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, delivered the items at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He said that the family's intention to give back the treasures was to "display their splendor with the people and preserve the culture and past linked to my parent's origin."
These artefacts were either donations or purchases, based on the household.
"We want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's household for practically demonstrating their profound affection for the nation by diligently safeguarding these items and crucially ensuring their repatriation to their legitimate country," commented the official.
She added that the items would soon be opened to the public for study and educational purposes, calling the action a landmark in safeguarding the nation's national treasures.
"Efforts will continue to bring back historical objects that are located in the possession of collectors and entities all over the world," the minister said.
During colonial rule in Africa, thousands of historical artefacts were plundered.
The demand by African countries for the repatriation of taken artefacts has been responded to by some progress in lately - though several objects are merely on loan.
Back in 2022, the German government was the pioneering state to give back a selection of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in an attempt to deal with its "dark legacy."
Related Subjects
- Cultural Return Movements in the Continent
- This Impact of Colonial History on Contemporary African Heritage
- International Movements for the Return of Stolen Treasures