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Exactly 12 ancient items have been officially given back to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a household from Germany for over a century.

These artefacts, originally collected in the 1920's by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.

This assortment featured headpieces, shields and canvases, each regarded as culturally valuable in the nation.

"These items continue to serve as a mark of the long-standing and amicable ties between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's representative to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, delivered the items at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He explained that the family's goal to give back the items was to "share their splendor with the public and maintain the culture and past tied to my father's beginning."

These objects were either considered gifts or buys, as stated by the family.

"I want to thank Professor Weiss's family for practically showing their sincere affection for the nation by diligently safeguarding these treasures and vitally ensuring their homecoming to their rightful homeland," commented the official.

The minister noted that the items would in the near future be made accessible to the public for study and academic study, describing the decision a landmark in preserving the nation's historical legacy.

"Initiatives are ongoing to repatriate ancient artifacts that are located in the custody of individuals and entities all over the world," she affirmed.

In the era of colonialism in the African continent, thousands of traditional artefacts were taken.

This demand by the continent's states for the repatriation of stolen objects has been responded to by certain progress in lately - though some items are only on loan.

In 2022, the German government was the initial state to repatriate some of the famous Benin artifacts to Nigeria in an attempt to deal with its "dark colonial history."

Related Subjects

• Cultural Repatriation Movements in Africa
• The Impact of Imperial History on Contemporary African Heritage
• International Movements for the Return of Looted Artefacts