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Exactly Twelve ancient objects were officially restored to Ethiopia after remaining by a family in Germany for in excess of a century.

These treasures, initially acquired in the early twentieth century by the German then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife his partner, were transferred on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.

The assortment included headpieces, armor and paintings, each regarded as historically valuable in the nation.

"These artefacts continue to stand as a symbol of the enduring and positive connection between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a event witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the household's goal to give back the items was to "display their splendor with the public and maintain the heritage and past tied to my parent's origin."

The artefacts were either donations or acquisitions, according to the family.

"I want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for practically demonstrating their profound affection for the nation by diligently maintaining these treasures and vitally ensuring their repatriation to their proper country," said the official.

She continued that the artefacts would in the near future be available to the general audience for study and educational purposes, describing the action a landmark in protecting the nation's national treasures.

"Initiatives will continue to return historical artifacts that are held in the custody of individuals and organizations all over the planet," the minister said.

In the era of imperial control in the African continent, numerous of cultural objects were looted.

The call by nations in Africa for the return of stolen items has been responded to by certain success in the past few years - though a number of artefacts are merely on temporary return.

In 2022, the German government was the pioneering nation to give back some of the famous Benin artifacts to the West African nation in an attempt to address its "dark past."

Related Subjects

• Historical Return Initiatives in the Continent
• The Significance of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• International Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Treasures