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Around 12 historical items were formally restored to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a family in Germany for in excess of ten decades.

These treasures, originally acquired in the 1920's by Germany's representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.

This collection featured royal crowns, protective shields and artistic works, all regarded as historically significant in the nation.

"These treasures continue to stand as a emblem of the enduring and amicable relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to the East African country.

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

He stated that the family's goal to return the items was to "showcase their beauty with the public and safeguard the culture and history tied to my father's origin."

The items were either gifts or acquisitions, as stated by the relatives.

"I want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's household for concretely expressing their sincere appreciation for the nation by carefully safeguarding these items and importantly guaranteeing their repatriation to their proper nation," commented the minister of tourism.

She noted that the pieces would in the near future be available to the public for study and educational purposes, describing the action a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Actions will continue to return historical items that are held in the hands of individuals and entities throughout the globe," the minister affirmed.

In the era of colonialism in Africa, thousands of traditional artefacts were taken.

The request by the continent's states for the repatriation of taken objects has been responded to by a degree of success in recent years - even if some objects are only on short-term display.

In 2022, the German government was the pioneering country to give back a selection of the well-known historical items to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to deal with its "dark legacy."

Connected Subjects

• Historical Return Efforts in the Continent
• This Impact of Imperial History on Modern African Culture
• Global Movements for the Return of Looted Items