The East African nation Receives Cultural Artefacts After a 100-Year Residence in German Hands
Around 12 cultural objects have been officially returned to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a family in Germany for over a century.
These artefacts, first acquired in the 1920s by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
This set featured crowns, shields and artistic works, each considered as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.
"These items still serve as a symbol of the long-standing and amicable relationship between the German nation and Ethiopia," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to the East African country.
Professor a professor, whose father was born during the household's assignment in the nation, handed over the objects at a event joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the household's aim to return the treasures was to "share their appeal with the public and maintain the culture and history connected to my parent's origin."
These objects were either gifts or buys, based on the family.
"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's household for concretely demonstrating their deep love for the nation by meticulously maintaining these items and vitally securing their repatriation to their rightful nation," stated the official.
The minister added that the items would soon be opened to the people for investigation and scholarly work, calling the action a milestone in preserving the nation's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives will continue to return ancient artifacts that are found in the custody of individuals and entities throughout the planet," she said.
In the era of imperial control in the African continent, many of historical artefacts were taken.
The call by African countries for the repatriation of stolen items has been met with some success in recent years - even if several objects are merely on short-term display.
Back in two years ago, the German government was the pioneering nation to return a selection of the well-known historical items to Nigeria in an attempt to deal with its "troubled colonial history."
Similar Subjects
- Cultural Return Movements in Africa
- This Effect of Imperial History on Modern African Heritage
- International Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures
