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A total of Twelve historical objects have been ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a German family for over 100 years.

These artefacts, first collected in the 1920s by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were delivered on midweek to the research center at the capital's university.

The collection contained headpieces, armor and artistic works, each viewed as historically important in Ethiopia.

"These artefacts continue to serve as a mark of the lasting and positive connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's representative to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose parent was delivered during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, delivered the objects at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He said that the family's goal to return the artefacts was to "share their splendor with the public and maintain the culture and history connected to my parent's birth."

These artefacts were either considered presents or purchases, as stated by the relatives.

"I want to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for actively showing their deep love for the nation by meticulously maintaining these artifacts and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their legitimate nation," said the tourism minister.

She added that the artefacts would soon be available to the people for investigation and educational purposes, terming the action a significant step in safeguarding the nation's national treasures.

"Initiatives persist to repatriate historical items that are located in the possession of collectors and entities all over the world," she stated.

In the era of imperial control in the African continent, many of cultural artefacts were looted.

The call by nations in Africa for the restoration of looted objects has been responded to by some positive outcomes in recent years - though several items are just on short-term display.

Back in 2022, Germany was the pioneering state to give back a portion of the famous Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to deal with its "dark legacy."

Connected Themes

• Cultural Return Initiatives in the Continent
• This Effect of Imperial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Movements for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts