Ethiopia Receives Valuable Treasures After a Century Stay in Germany
A total of Twelve ancient objects have been ceremoniously returned to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a German family for more than ten decades.
The artefacts, first gathered in the 1920s by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
This assortment contained royal crowns, protective shields and paintings, each considered as historically significant in the nation.
"The artefacts continue to represent a mark of the long-standing and amicable ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated Germany's envoy, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Professor a professor, whose father was born during the family's service in the nation, handed over the objects at a event witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the family's goal to give back the items was to "share their beauty with the public and safeguard the culture and history connected to my father's beginning."
These items were either considered presents or acquisitions, as stated by the relatives.
"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for practically expressing their profound appreciation for the nation by diligently maintaining these treasures and importantly ensuring their return to their rightful nation," commented the official.
She continued that the artefacts would in the near future be available to the people for research and academic study, describing the action a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives will continue to repatriate ancient objects that are located in the custody of private persons and organizations throughout the globe," the minister affirmed.
During imperial control in Africa, numerous of historical objects were looted.
This call by nations in Africa for the restoration of looted items has been met with some success in recent years - even if some items are only on short-term display.
In two years ago, Germany was the first country to repatriate some of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to address its "troubled legacy."
Connected Subjects
- Historical Repatriation Efforts in Africa
- This Effect of Imperial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures
