Ethiopia Takes Back Valuable Treasures After a Century Stay in German Hands
Exactly 12 ancient artefacts have been formally restored to Ethiopia after remaining by a household from Germany for in excess of 100 years.
These treasures, first gathered in the early twentieth century by Germany's diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
This assortment featured royal crowns, shields and artistic works, each considered as culturally significant in the nation.
"The artefacts still serve as a emblem of the lasting and amicable connection between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's representative to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the household's diplomatic posting in the nation, delivered the items at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the household's goal to return the artefacts was to "display their splendor with the public and maintain the culture and past connected to my father's beginning."
The artefacts were either considered gifts or buys, as stated by the relatives.
"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for concretely demonstrating their profound appreciation for the nation by carefully safeguarding these artifacts and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their rightful homeland," said the minister of tourism.
She continued that the items would in the near future be available to the public for study and scholarly work, terming the decision a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Efforts are ongoing to bring back ancient objects that are held in the possession of private persons and organizations around the globe," the minister stated.
In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of cultural artefacts were taken.
This call by African countries for the repatriation of taken objects has been responded to by certain success in the past few years - although several objects are just on temporary return.
Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering nation to repatriate some of the famous historical items to the West African nation as part of an effort to address its "troubled colonial history."
Similar Topics
- Historical Return Movements in the Continent
- The Significance of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Culture
- International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items
