Ethiopia Takes Back Historic Treasures Following a 100-Year Stay in Germany

A total of Twelve ancient items were ceremoniously restored to Ethiopia after staying by a family in Germany for over a century.

The items, initially acquired in the 1920s by the German then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.

The assortment contained headpieces, shields and canvases, each viewed as historically valuable in the nation.

"The treasures continue to serve as a symbol of the lasting and positive connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the artefacts at a gathering witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the household's aim to restore the artefacts was to "showcase their splendor with the people and safeguard the heritage and past linked to my parent's birth."

These items were either considered donations or purchases, based on the household.

"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for actively expressing their deep love for Ethiopia by meticulously safeguarding these items and importantly ensuring their homecoming to their legitimate country," said the official.

The minister added that the items would soon be available to the public for investigation and scholarly work, describing the move a significant step in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Efforts are ongoing to return old artifacts that are found in the possession of collectors and entities around the globe," she stated.

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

The call by African countries for the repatriation of taken objects has been met with a degree of success in lately - though several objects are just on short-term display.

Back in 2022, Germany was the initial nation to return a portion of the well-known Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to address its "complex legacy."

Similar Themes

• Cultural Restoration Initiatives in Africa
• The Effect of Imperial History on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• International Movements for the Return of Stolen Artefacts