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Around Twelve ancient items were ceremoniously given back to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a household from Germany for in excess of 100 years.

These treasures, initially acquired in the 1920s by the German diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

The set included headpieces, shields and canvases, each viewed as historically important in the country.

"These treasures still stand as a mark of the lasting and positive ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.

Professor a professor, whose father was born during the household's assignment in the nation, presented the artefacts at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's goal to return the treasures was to "display their beauty with the people and maintain the heritage and history linked to my parent's origin."

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

"We want to thank Professor Weiss's family for concretely expressing their profound affection for Ethiopia by diligently safeguarding these items and crucially ensuring their repatriation to their legitimate country," commented the tourism minister.

She added that the items would in the near future be opened to the public for investigation and scholarly work, terming the action a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Efforts will continue to bring back historical artifacts that are held in the possession of individuals and entities throughout the planet," the minister affirmed.

During colonialism in the African continent, many of historical items were plundered.

The demand by the continent's states for the repatriation of taken items has been met with some positive outcomes in recent years - although some items are merely on loan.

Back in the year 2022, Germany was the first country to give back a portion of the famous Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in a bid to deal with its "complex colonial history."

Connected Topics

• Historical Return Initiatives in the Continent
• The Significance of Colonial Past on Modern African Heritage
• International Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts