The East African nation Receives Valuable Treasures Following a Long Stay in a German Family
A total of Twelve ancient items have been formally restored to Ethiopia after remaining by a family in Germany for more than 100 years.
The treasures, first collected in the 1920s by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.
This collection included royal crowns, protective shields and paintings, all viewed as historically important in Ethiopia.
"The treasures still serve as a emblem of the lasting and positive ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's envoy to Ethiopia.
Dr. a professor, whose father was delivered during the household's assignment in the nation, handed over the items at a event witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the family's goal to give back the items was to "showcase their beauty with the people and preserve the heritage and history linked to my father's birth."
The objects were either considered gifts or purchases, as stated by the household.
"We want to thank Professor Weiss's family for actively expressing their deep affection for the nation by carefully maintaining these treasures and importantly guaranteeing their return to their legitimate homeland," commented the tourism minister.
The minister added that the pieces would in the near future be opened to the public for study and academic study, calling the decision a significant step in preserving the nation's cultural heritage.
"Actions will continue to return old artifacts that are held in the custody of collectors and organizations throughout the planet," the minister stated.
In the era of imperial control in the African continent, numerous of cultural objects were plundered.
This request by the continent's states for the repatriation of stolen objects has been responded to by some success in recent years - though some items are merely on loan.
In the year 2022, Germany was the initial country to return some of the well-known Benin artifacts to the West African nation as part of an effort to deal with its "dark legacy."
Related Subjects
- Cultural Repatriation Movements in Africa
- This Effect of Colonial Past on Modern African Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Treasures
