The East African nation Takes Back Historic Treasures After a Long Residence in Germany
A total of Twelve historical objects have been officially returned to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a family in Germany for over a century.
The treasures, initially acquired in the 1920s by the German representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.
This assortment featured headpieces, armor and canvases, each considered as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.
"The treasures still stand as a mark of the lasting and amicable relationship between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated the German diplomat, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.
Professor a professor, whose father was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a ceremony joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He explained that the family's goal to restore the artefacts was to "display their splendor with the people and safeguard the culture and history connected to my parent's beginning."
These objects were either considered donations or acquisitions, as stated by the family.
"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's household for practically expressing their deep love for the nation by diligently maintaining these treasures and vitally securing their return to their proper nation," said the minister of tourism.
The minister continued that the pieces would soon be available to the general audience for research and educational purposes, calling the action a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives persist to bring back old items that are located in the hands of private persons and institutions all over the planet," the minister stated.
In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, many of traditional objects were plundered.
This call by nations in Africa for the return of stolen artefacts has been met with certain progress in the past few years - even if some items are merely on loan.
In two years ago, Germany was the first state to return some of the renowned historical items to Nigeria in a bid to confront its "troubled legacy."
Related Subjects
- Cultural Restoration Initiatives in Africa
- This Effect of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts