🔗 Share this article The East African nation Takes Back Valuable Items Following a 100-Year Residence in a German Family This Assortment Comprises Royal Headpieces, Protective Gear and Paintings Each Considered as Culturally Valuable Around 12 historical objects have been formally returned to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years. These treasures, first gathered in the 1920s by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa. This set contained royal crowns, shields and artistic works, all considered as culturally important in the country. "The items still represent a symbol of the lasting and positive connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's representative to Ethiopia. Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the items at a event attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa. He explained that the family's aim to return the items was to "share their beauty with the public and safeguard the heritage and history linked to my father's birth." These Items Are Set to Become Accessible to the Public for Study and Educational Purposes The objects were either gifts or acquisitions, as stated by the household. "I want to thank Professor Weiss's family for concretely expressing their deep appreciation for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these treasures and vitally securing their return to their rightful nation," stated the tourism minister. The minister added that the pieces would in the near future be made accessible to the people for research and educational purposes, terming the move a milestone in preserving the nation's historical legacy. "Initiatives are ongoing to return historical objects that are found in the hands of private persons and organizations throughout the world," the minister said. During colonial rule in the African continent, thousands of traditional artefacts were looted. This call by African countries for the return of looted items has been responded to by certain success in recent years - though some items are just on short-term display. In 2022, the German government was the first state to give back a portion of the well-known Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in an attempt to deal with its "troubled past." Similar Subjects Cultural Return Efforts in the Continent The Impact of Imperial Past on Modern African Heritage International Movements for the Return of Looted Items