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Exactly 12 ancient artefacts have been formally returned to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a German family for over ten decades.

The artefacts, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the research center at Addis Ababa University.

This assortment featured royal crowns, armor and artistic works, each viewed as culturally significant in the country.

"The items continue to serve as a symbol of the long-standing and positive relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to Ethiopia.

Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's assignment in the nation, delivered the objects at a event attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He explained that the household's goal to return the treasures was to "share their splendor with the public and safeguard the heritage and history linked to my parent's birth."

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

"I want to thank the Weiss household for practically demonstrating their sincere affection for Ethiopia by diligently safeguarding these items and crucially ensuring their repatriation to their legitimate country," commented the official.

The minister continued that the pieces would soon be made accessible to the public for study and scholarly work, terming the move a milestone in preserving the nation's national treasures.

"Efforts will continue to repatriate old objects that are found in the hands of individuals and organizations throughout the planet," the minister said.

During colonial rule in Africa, thousands of traditional items were taken.

This call by the continent's states for the restoration of stolen objects has been answered with a degree of success in the past few years - although some objects are merely on temporary return.

Back in 2022, the German government was the initial nation to give back a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to address its "dark colonial history."

Related Themes

• Cultural Restoration Efforts in the Continent
• This Impact of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
• Global Movements for the Return of Stolen Artefacts