The East African nation Takes Back Cultural Items After a Century Stay in German Hands
A total of 12 cultural artefacts were ceremoniously restored to Ethiopia following being kept by a German family for in excess of ten decades.
These artefacts, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife his partner, were transferred on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
The assortment included headpieces, protective shields and canvases, all considered as culturally important in the nation.
"These treasures still serve as a emblem of the long-standing and friendly connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.
Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the household's diplomatic posting in the nation, presented the items at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.
He said that the family's aim to return the artefacts was to "showcase their appeal with the people and maintain the heritage and past tied to my parent's origin."
These items were either gifts or purchases, based on the family.
"I want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for practically showing their deep love for the nation by carefully safeguarding these treasures and vitally securing their homecoming to their legitimate homeland," said the tourism minister.
She noted that the artefacts would in the near future be available to the people for research and scholarly work, calling the decision a landmark in preserving the nation's cultural heritage.
"Initiatives are ongoing to return historical artifacts that are held in the custody of collectors and entities throughout the world," she affirmed.
During imperial control in the African continent, thousands of cultural items were looted.
The demand by nations in Africa for the return of taken artefacts has been responded to by certain success in the past few years - even if several objects are just on loan.
Back in 2022, the German government was the initial state to repatriate some of the well-known Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "troubled colonial history."
Similar Themes
- Cultural Restoration Efforts in Africa
- The Impact of Imperial History on Contemporary African Culture
- International Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Items
