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Exactly Twelve ancient artefacts have been formally returned to Ethiopia following staying by a household from Germany for more than a century.

These treasures, first collected in the 1920's by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.

The collection featured crowns, shields and canvases, each regarded as culturally significant in the nation.

"The treasures still represent a emblem of the long-standing and amicable connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, the representative to the East African country.

Professor a professor, whose father was born during the household's diplomatic posting in the nation, handed over the items at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He said that the family's goal to return the treasures was to "share their splendor with the people and safeguard the heritage and history connected to my father's birth."

These artefacts were either gifts or acquisitions, based on the household.

"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's household for practically demonstrating their profound appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully preserving these artifacts and importantly guaranteeing their return to their rightful homeland," stated the minister of tourism.

The minister noted that the items would shortly be available to the people for research and educational purposes, terming the decision a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Actions are ongoing to repatriate historical objects that are found in the possession of private persons and organizations throughout the globe," the minister said.

In the era of colonialism in the African continent, numerous of cultural items were taken.

This request by African countries for the repatriation of taken items has been met with certain progress in lately - although a number of artefacts are merely on temporary return.

Back in 2022, the German government was the first state to give back a selection of the renowned historical items to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "troubled past."

Related Subjects

• Cultural Return Movements in Africa
• This Impact of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
• International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Treasures