🔗 Share this article Ethiopia Welcomes Valuable Treasures Following a Long Stay in German Hands This Group Comprises Crowns, Protective Gear and Paintings Each Regarded as Culturally Valuable A total of 12 ancient items have been formally restored to Ethiopia following staying by a household from Germany for over a century. The treasures, first collected in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university. The set contained royal crowns, protective shields and paintings, each viewed as historically valuable in the country. "These artefacts continue to represent a mark of the long-standing and positive relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to the East African country. Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the family's service in Ethiopia, presented the items at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official. He stated that the household's goal to give back the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the public and preserve the culture and history linked to my father's birth." These Pieces Will Soon to Become Accessible to the General Audience for Study and Educational Purposes The items were either considered gifts or buys, according to the household. "I want to thank the Weiss relatives for actively showing their sincere appreciation for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these artifacts and crucially securing their repatriation to their legitimate homeland," stated the tourism minister. The minister noted that the pieces would soon be opened to the general audience for research and educational purposes, calling the move a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy. "Initiatives will continue to return ancient objects that are found in the custody of individuals and institutions throughout the globe," she said. During colonial rule in Africa, thousands of historical objects were plundered. This request by nations in Africa for the return of looted objects has been met with certain progress in recent years - although several items are merely on temporary return. Back in 2022, Germany was the first country to give back a portion of the famous historical items to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "complex legacy." Connected Topics Cultural Return Initiatives in the Continent The Significance of Colonial Past on Contemporary African Culture Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts