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Exactly Twelve cultural objects were officially returned to Ethiopia after staying by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years.

The items, initially acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the research center at Addis Ababa University.

This collection featured crowns, protective shields and paintings, each regarded as historically significant in Ethiopia.

"These items still stand as a emblem of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the family's service in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the family's intention to give back the treasures was to "share their appeal with the people and preserve the heritage and history linked to my parent's origin."

These objects were either presents or buys, based on the family.

"I would like to thank Professor Weiss's family for concretely expressing their deep love for the nation by diligently preserving these artifacts and vitally guaranteeing their homecoming to their legitimate homeland," stated the tourism minister.

The minister continued that the pieces would in the near future be opened to the general audience for research and educational purposes, calling the decision a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Initiatives persist to return historical items that are held in the possession of collectors and organizations all over the globe," the minister said.

During imperial control in the African continent, many of historical objects were taken.

The call by nations in Africa for the restoration of stolen items has been met with some success in recent years - even if several artefacts are just on short-term display.

In 2022, Germany was the initial nation to repatriate a portion of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in an attempt to deal with its "complex past."

Connected Subjects

• Cultural Return Initiatives in the Continent
• The Effect of Colonial History on Contemporary African Culture
• International Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures