Ethiopia Welcomes Historic Items After a Century Stay in a German Family
A total of 12 cultural items have been ceremoniously given back to Ethiopia after being kept by a household from Germany for in excess of ten decades.
These items, originally acquired in the 1920's by Germany's representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
This collection featured headpieces, shields and artistic works, all regarded as historically important in the nation.
"These artefacts still serve as a symbol of the long-standing and positive connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the representative to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, delivered the items at a event attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He stated that the household's aim to return the treasures was to "display their beauty with the public and preserve the heritage and history tied to my parent's birth."
These items were either considered gifts or purchases, according to the household.
"We would like to express gratitude to the Weiss family for concretely expressing their profound love for the nation by diligently safeguarding these items and crucially securing their return to their rightful nation," stated the minister of tourism.
The minister added that the artefacts would in the near future be opened to the general audience for investigation and educational purposes, describing the move a significant step in protecting the nation's historical legacy.
"Actions will continue to bring back ancient items that are found in the hands of individuals and organizations throughout the world," she stated.
During colonial rule in Africa, many of traditional items were looted.
The call by African countries for the return of taken items has been met with a degree of success in the past few years - although some items are only on loan.
Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering country to give back some of the famous historical items to Nigeria in an attempt to address its "troubled legacy."
Connected Topics
- Historical Repatriation Movements in Africa
- This Significance of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items
