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A total of 12 historical artefacts have been formally restored to Ethiopia after being kept by a German family for in excess of ten decades.

These treasures, originally gathered in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.

The collection included crowns, armor and canvases, all considered as historically valuable in the nation.

"These items continue to represent a emblem of the enduring and amicable relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's envoy to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose parent was born during the household's service in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a gathering witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's aim to restore the items was to "share their appeal with the people and preserve the heritage and history tied to my parent's beginning."

These items were either considered gifts or purchases, according to the family.

"We want to thank Professor Weiss's family for actively demonstrating their deep affection for the nation by diligently maintaining these items and importantly securing their return to their proper homeland," stated the tourism minister.

The minister continued that the artefacts would soon be made accessible to the public for study and academic study, describing the action a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Initiatives persist to bring back old items that are held in the custody of private persons and organizations throughout the world," the minister said.

During colonial rule in Africa, many of cultural items were plundered.

The call by the continent's states for the repatriation of stolen objects has been answered with some progress in the past few years - even if several items are just on temporary return.

Back in the year 2022, Germany was the initial state to return a portion of the famous historical items to Nigeria as part of an effort to confront its "dark legacy."

Connected Topics

• Cultural Restoration Movements in the Continent
• The Effect of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• Global Movements for the Return of Looted Items