Ethiopia Takes Back Cultural Treasures After a 100-Year Stay in a German Family
A total of Twelve historical objects were ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for in excess of ten decades.
The treasures, first gathered in the 1920's by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
The set contained headpieces, armor and artistic works, each considered as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.
"The artefacts still represent a emblem of the lasting and amicable connection between Germany and Ethiopia," stated the German diplomat, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in the nation, handed over the artefacts at a event joined by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He stated that the family's goal to return the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the audience and safeguard the culture and history tied to my parent's origin."
These artefacts were either considered donations or buys, as stated by the family.
"We would like to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for practically showing their deep appreciation for the nation by diligently preserving these treasures and vitally securing their repatriation to their proper homeland," commented the tourism minister.
She continued that the pieces would in the near future be made accessible to the public for investigation and educational purposes, calling the decision a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives persist to bring back old objects that are held in the hands of collectors and entities around the world," the minister affirmed.
In the era of colonialism in the African continent, many of traditional items were plundered.
The request by nations in Africa for the return of taken items has been answered with certain progress in lately - even if some objects are merely on temporary return.
In 2022, the German government was the initial state to give back a selection of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to address its "complex colonial history."
Similar Themes
- Cultural Repatriation Movements in Africa
- This Significance of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Items
