Ethiopia Welcomes Historic Treasures After a 100-Year Residence in a German Family
Around 12 ancient items were ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a household from Germany for in excess of 100 years.
The items, initially gathered in the 1920's by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.
The set contained headpieces, shields and paintings, all considered as culturally important in Ethiopia.
"These items continue to serve as a symbol of the lasting and positive relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to Ethiopia.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a ceremony joined by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He explained that the family's aim to restore the treasures was to "showcase their beauty with the audience and preserve the heritage and history linked to my parent's beginning."
These items were either considered donations or purchases, based on the household.
"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's household for actively demonstrating their sincere love for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these artifacts and vitally securing their homecoming to their proper country," said the minister of tourism.
The minister continued that the artefacts would soon be made accessible to the general audience for investigation and educational purposes, terming the action a significant step in protecting the nation's national treasures.
"Actions will continue to repatriate historical objects that are held in the hands of individuals and entities all over the world," she affirmed.
In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, thousands of cultural objects were plundered.
The request by the continent's states for the return of looted items has been answered with some success in the past few years - even if some objects are only on short-term display.
Back in 2022, Germany was the first country to return a selection of the renowned Benin artifacts to the West African nation as part of an effort to deal with its "complex legacy."
Related Topics
- Cultural Return Movements in Africa
- This Impact of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Culture
- Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Treasures
