Ethiopia Welcomes Cultural Treasures After a Long Stay in Germany
Around Twelve cultural artefacts were ceremoniously restored to Ethiopia following remaining by a family in Germany for more than 100 years.
These items, initially gathered in the 1920s by the German diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.
This set contained headpieces, armor and artistic works, each considered as historically significant in the nation.
"These items continue to stand as a symbol of the long-standing and amicable connection between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, Germany's envoy to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the household's assignment in the nation, delivered the objects at a event joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.
He stated that the household's goal to return the artefacts was to "share their beauty with the audience and maintain the culture and past connected to my father's beginning."
These objects were either presents or buys, as stated by the household.
"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for concretely demonstrating their profound affection for the nation by diligently maintaining these artifacts and crucially securing their repatriation to their legitimate country," stated the tourism minister.
She continued that the artefacts would soon be made accessible to the people for study and educational purposes, terming the move a milestone in preserving the nation's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives will continue to repatriate old artifacts that are located in the hands of private persons and organizations throughout the world," the minister affirmed.
In the era of colonial rule in Africa, many of cultural items were plundered.
This call by the continent's states for the repatriation of taken items has been responded to by some progress in recent years - although a number of objects are just on temporary return.
In the year 2022, the German government was the first nation to give back a portion of the renowned historical items to the Nigerian people in a bid to address its "dark colonial history."
Connected Subjects
- Historical Return Efforts in the Continent
- The Effect of Imperial Past on Modern African Heritage
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures