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Around 12 ancient artefacts have been ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a family in Germany for more than ten decades.

The items, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were transferred on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

This collection included crowns, protective shields and artistic works, all regarded as historically important in Ethiopia.

"These items still serve as a emblem of the long-standing and amicable ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's representative to the East African country.

Professor a professor, whose parent was born during the family's diplomatic posting in the nation, handed over the artefacts at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the family's intention to give back the treasures was to "share their appeal with the people and maintain the culture and history linked to my father's origin."

These objects were either considered gifts or purchases, as stated by the family.

"I would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for practically expressing their deep love for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these items and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their proper country," stated the minister of tourism.

She noted that the items would in the near future be available to the public for research and educational purposes, describing the action a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Initiatives will continue to return old items that are held in the custody of collectors and entities throughout the world," the minister stated.

In the era of imperial control in the African continent, numerous of traditional objects were looted.

The call by nations in Africa for the repatriation of taken artefacts has been responded to by some positive outcomes in recent years - even if several items are just on short-term display.

Back in two years ago, Germany was the initial nation to repatriate a selection of the famous Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "complex colonial history."

Similar Themes

• Historical Repatriation Movements in Africa
• This Significance of Imperial Past on Modern African Heritage
• International Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures