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Around 12 historical items were ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a household from Germany for over 100 years.

The items, initially collected in the 1920's by the German then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

The set included royal crowns, armor and canvases, all viewed as culturally valuable in the country.

"The treasures still represent a symbol of the enduring and friendly relationship between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose father was delivered during the family's service in Ethiopia, presented the items at a event joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the family's goal to give back the treasures was to "showcase their beauty with the people and maintain the culture and past linked to my parent's origin."

The artefacts were either considered presents or purchases, according to the household.

"I want to thank Professor Weiss's family for practically expressing their deep affection for Ethiopia by diligently safeguarding these artifacts and crucially guaranteeing their homecoming to their rightful nation," commented the minister of tourism.

The minister continued that the items would in the near future be available to the general audience for study and educational purposes, terming the move a landmark in protecting the nation's cultural heritage.

"Actions persist to return ancient artifacts that are located in the possession of private persons and entities all over the planet," she affirmed.

In the era of imperial control in Africa, many of traditional objects were plundered.

The call by African countries for the repatriation of stolen artefacts has been answered with some progress in lately - though several items are only on loan.

Back in 2022, the German government was the initial nation to return a selection of the famous Benin artifacts to the West African nation in an attempt to address its "complex past."

Connected Topics

• Cultural Repatriation Efforts in Africa
• The Significance of Imperial History on Contemporary African Heritage
• Global Movements for the Return of Stolen Items