The East African nation Takes Back Historic Artefacts After a Century Stay in a German Family
Exactly Twelve historical objects have been ceremoniously restored to Ethiopia after staying by a family in Germany for more than ten decades.
These artefacts, initially collected in the 1920's by the German diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were delivered on midweek to the research center at the capital's university.
The assortment featured crowns, armor and artistic works, all considered as culturally important in the country.
"The treasures still represent a symbol of the long-standing and positive relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's representative to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's service in Ethiopia, delivered the objects at a ceremony joined by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He explained that the household's aim to return the treasures was to "display their beauty with the public and maintain the heritage and past tied to my father's origin."
These objects were either considered gifts or acquisitions, according to the relatives.
"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for actively demonstrating their deep love for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these treasures and crucially securing their homecoming to their rightful homeland," commented the minister of tourism.
The minister continued that the artefacts would in the near future be made accessible to the people for investigation and educational purposes, describing the move a significant step in safeguarding Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Efforts will continue to bring back old objects that are held in the possession of individuals and organizations all over the globe," she said.
During colonialism in the African continent, thousands of historical objects were plundered.
This request by nations in Africa for the return of stolen artefacts has been answered with some positive outcomes in recent years - though some objects are merely on loan.
Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering nation to give back some of the well-known Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people in an attempt to confront its "troubled legacy."
Similar Topics
- Historical Return Movements in the Continent
- The Effect of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- International Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts
