The East African nation Welcomes Historic Items Following a 100-Year Holding in German Hands
Exactly Twelve ancient objects have been officially restored to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a German family for more than 100 years.
These artefacts, originally collected in the 1920's by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.
The set included royal crowns, armor and paintings, all considered as culturally significant in Ethiopia.
"The artefacts still stand as a mark of the long-standing and positive ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated the German diplomat, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's service in Ethiopia, delivered the objects at a event attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He explained that the family's intention to restore the items was to "display their splendor with the audience and maintain the heritage and past linked to my father's beginning."
The items were either considered gifts or acquisitions, based on the relatives.
"I want to thank Professor Weiss's family for actively showing their deep appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully preserving these artifacts and vitally securing their return to their legitimate homeland," stated the minister of tourism.
She noted that the artefacts would in the near future be opened to the people for investigation and scholarly work, calling the move a significant step in protecting the nation's historical legacy.
"Initiatives persist to bring back old items that are located in the custody of private persons and institutions all over the globe," she said.
In the era of colonial rule in Africa, many of traditional artefacts were looted.
The demand by African countries for the restoration of taken artefacts has been responded to by certain progress in lately - although some objects are merely on loan.
In two years ago, the German government was the first country to give back a portion of the famous Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in a bid to deal with its "dark legacy."
Related Subjects
- Cultural Return Efforts in Africa
- This Effect of Colonial Past on Contemporary African Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures
