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Exactly 12 historical artefacts have been ceremoniously given back to Ethiopia following remaining by a family in Germany for over a century.

The artefacts, first collected in the 1920's by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.

This collection featured royal crowns, shields and canvases, each viewed as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.

"The treasures still represent a symbol of the lasting and amicable relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said the German diplomat, the representative to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the family's service in the nation, handed over the objects at a gathering witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He stated that the family's aim to return the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the people and maintain the culture and history linked to my parent's birth."

These objects were either considered donations or acquisitions, as stated by the relatives.

"We want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for actively expressing their profound love for Ethiopia by diligently preserving these artifacts and crucially securing their homecoming to their legitimate nation," said the tourism minister.

The minister continued that the artefacts would in the near future be made accessible to the public for study and educational purposes, describing the move a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Efforts are ongoing to repatriate historical objects that are found in the hands of collectors and entities all over the world," she affirmed.

During colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of historical artefacts were taken.

This call by nations in Africa for the return of stolen items has been responded to by certain positive outcomes in the past few years - even if a number of items are just on short-term display.

In the year 2022, the German government was the pioneering state to return some of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in an attempt to deal with its "dark past."

Connected Themes

• Historical Return Movements in Africa
• This Impact of Colonial History on Modern African Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Treasures