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A total of Twelve ancient objects were ceremoniously given back to Ethiopia after remaining by a German family for in excess of 100 years.

These items, originally gathered in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.

This assortment featured headpieces, armor and paintings, each viewed as historically significant in Ethiopia.

"The treasures still represent a mark of the long-standing and friendly connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to Ethiopia.

Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's service in the nation, presented the objects at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the family's goal to give back the treasures was to "display their appeal with the audience and preserve the heritage and past tied to my father's birth."

These artefacts were either considered donations or purchases, according to the relatives.

"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for actively demonstrating their profound love for the nation by meticulously preserving these artifacts and crucially ensuring their return to their proper country," commented the official.

The minister noted that the artefacts would soon be made accessible to the general audience for research and educational purposes, calling the decision a landmark in protecting the nation's national treasures.

"Actions will continue to repatriate old artifacts that are found in the custody of individuals and entities around the planet," she affirmed.

During colonial rule in the African continent, many of historical artefacts were plundered.

The demand by African countries for the restoration of taken objects has been answered with certain positive outcomes in the past few years - even if several artefacts are only on short-term display.

Back in 2022, Germany was the pioneering state to repatriate a selection of the famous Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in a bid to address its "dark colonial history."

Related Topics

• Cultural Repatriation Movements in Africa
• The Effect of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Items