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Exactly Twelve historical items have been officially given back to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a German family for more than 100 years.

These artefacts, first gathered in the 1920s by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.

The set featured royal crowns, protective shields and paintings, all regarded as historically significant in the country.

"The artefacts still serve as a mark of the long-standing and amicable connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to Ethiopia.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's assignment in the nation, presented the artefacts at a gathering witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the family's intention to restore the artefacts was to "share their appeal with the people and maintain the heritage and history connected to my parent's birth."

These objects were either gifts or acquisitions, based on the relatives.

"We want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's household for concretely showing their sincere appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully maintaining these treasures and vitally securing their return to their legitimate nation," stated the minister of tourism.

She noted that the artefacts would soon be made accessible to the public for study and educational purposes, describing the action a landmark in safeguarding the nation's national treasures.

"Efforts will continue to repatriate historical items that are held in the custody of collectors and institutions all over the planet," she said.

During colonialism in the African continent, thousands of historical artefacts were plundered.

This demand by the continent's states for the restoration of stolen items has been met with certain positive outcomes in lately - although a number of artefacts are only on loan.

In 2022, Germany was the initial nation to repatriate a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "troubled past."

Similar Topics

• Historical Restoration Initiatives in the Continent
• This Impact of Imperial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Artefacts