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Around 12 cultural items have been officially restored to Ethiopia after remaining by a household from Germany for over 100 years.

The treasures, first acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's diplomat 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 university in Addis Ababa.

This collection featured headpieces, shields and artistic works, each regarded as culturally valuable in the nation.

"The items still serve as a mark of the lasting and amicable relationship between the German nation and Ethiopia," said the German diplomat, the envoy to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the household's service in the nation, presented the objects at a event joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the family's intention to give back the artefacts was to "display their appeal with the people and maintain the culture and past tied to my father's beginning."

The artefacts were either considered donations or buys, as stated by the relatives.

"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for actively demonstrating their sincere love for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these artifacts and importantly ensuring their homecoming to their rightful homeland," said the official.

The minister continued that the items would soon be available to the general audience for investigation and academic study, describing the move a landmark in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Initiatives persist to bring back historical artifacts that are held in the custody of private persons and organizations around the world," the minister affirmed.

During colonialism in the African continent, thousands of historical objects were looted.

The request by African countries for the restoration of taken objects has been responded to by certain success in lately - though several objects are merely on short-term display.

Back in 2022, Germany was the first nation to give back some of the famous historical items to Nigeria in an attempt to deal with its "troubled past."

Connected Subjects

• Historical Repatriation Movements in the Continent
• This Impact of Colonial History on Contemporary African Culture
• Global Movements for the Return of Looted Artefacts