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Around 12 historical objects have been ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a family in Germany for over a century.

These items, first acquired in the 1920s by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on Wednesday to the research center at Addis Ababa University.

The assortment included royal crowns, protective shields and paintings, each viewed as historically valuable in the country.

"These treasures still represent a symbol of the enduring and amicable connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said the German diplomat, the representative to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, handed over the objects at a gathering attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's goal to give back the treasures was to "display their appeal with the public and maintain the culture and past linked to my parent's birth."

The items were either presents or acquisitions, according to the household.

"We want to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for concretely showing their sincere appreciation for Ethiopia by diligently preserving these items and crucially ensuring their return to their legitimate country," commented the official.

She continued that the artefacts would shortly be opened to the public for study and scholarly work, describing the action a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Initiatives are ongoing to return historical items that are found in the possession of individuals and organizations throughout the world," she affirmed.

During imperial control in the African continent, thousands of cultural artefacts were looted.

The demand by the continent's states for the restoration of taken items has been met with a degree of success in lately - though some objects are only on temporary return.

Back in 2022, Germany was the pioneering state to return a selection of the renowned Benin artifacts to Nigeria in a bid to address its "dark legacy."

Connected Topics

• Historical Restoration Initiatives in the Continent
• The Significance of Colonial Past on Modern African Culture
• International Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Treasures