Ethiopia Takes Back Cultural Artefacts After a 100-Year Residence in Germany
Around Twelve historical items were ceremoniously restored to Ethiopia following remaining by a German family for more than ten decades.
The artefacts, first gathered in the 1920's by the German representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.
This assortment contained crowns, protective shields and artistic works, all regarded as historically important in the country.
"These items still represent a emblem of the long-standing and positive ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," remarked the German diplomat, the ambassador to the East African country.
Professor a professor, whose parent was born during the household's assignment in the nation, presented the artefacts at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.
He explained that the family's aim to restore the treasures was to "display their splendor with the public and safeguard the culture and past connected to my father's beginning."
These objects were either gifts or acquisitions, based on the family.
"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for actively expressing their sincere appreciation for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these items and importantly securing their homecoming to their rightful homeland," said the minister of tourism.
The minister added that the pieces would shortly be opened to the general audience for research and academic study, calling the decision a landmark in preserving the nation's historical legacy.
"Initiatives persist to bring back old objects that are held in the possession of collectors and institutions around the globe," she said.
In the era of colonial rule in Africa, thousands of historical items were taken.
This demand by the continent's states for the restoration of looted objects has been met with certain progress in recent years - even if several items are merely on loan.
Back in two years ago, Germany was the initial nation to return a selection of the renowned historical items to Nigeria in a bid to confront its "complex legacy."
Related Subjects
- Historical Repatriation Efforts in the Continent
- This Impact of Imperial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Items