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Exactly 12 historical items were ceremoniously given back to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a household from Germany for over ten decades.

These treasures, first acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.

This collection featured headpieces, shields and paintings, each viewed as historically significant in the country.

"These treasures still serve as a mark of the lasting and friendly ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's assignment in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a gathering witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He explained that the household's goal to restore the items was to "share their splendor with the audience and maintain the culture and history linked to my father's origin."

These objects were either donations or acquisitions, based on the household.

"I would like to thank the Weiss relatives for concretely showing their deep appreciation for the nation by diligently safeguarding these artifacts and vitally guaranteeing their repatriation to their rightful nation," stated the minister of tourism.

The minister noted that the pieces would in the near future be available to the public for investigation and scholarly work, describing the action a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Initiatives persist to bring back old artifacts that are located in the hands of collectors and organizations throughout the globe," she said.

During colonial rule in the African continent, thousands of traditional objects were taken.

This demand by the continent's states for the repatriation of taken items has been met with some progress in recent years - even if several artefacts are only on short-term display.

Back in 2022, the German government was the first state to repatriate some of the renowned Benin artifacts to the West African nation in an attempt to address its "dark colonial history."

Similar Topics

• Cultural Restoration Efforts in the Continent
• The Effect of Imperial History on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• International Movements for the Restitution of Looted Treasures