The East African nation Welcomes Valuable Items After a Century Holding in Germany
A total of Twelve historical items were officially given back to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a German family for over ten decades.
The artefacts, originally gathered in the 1920's by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.
The set contained headpieces, armor and canvases, all considered as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.
"The artefacts still stand as a emblem of the lasting and friendly relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," remarked Germany's envoy, the ambassador to the East African country.
Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a event attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.
He stated that the household's aim to restore the artefacts was to "display their appeal with the audience and preserve the culture and past connected to my father's origin."
The objects were either presents or buys, based on the relatives.
"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for practically showing their sincere appreciation for the nation by diligently preserving these items and vitally securing their return to their proper country," commented the minister of tourism.
She noted that the items would in the near future be opened to the people for study and academic study, terming the action a landmark in preserving the nation's cultural heritage.
"Actions persist to return old artifacts that are held in the custody of private persons and entities throughout the planet," the minister affirmed.
During colonialism in Africa, numerous of traditional items were plundered.
This call by nations in Africa for the return of looted artefacts has been met with some progress in recent years - even if a number of objects are only on short-term display.
Back in two years ago, the German government was the initial country to return some of the well-known Benin artifacts to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "troubled past."
Connected Subjects
- Historical Return Movements in Africa
- This Effect of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
- Global Movements for the Return of Looted Artefacts
