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Around 12 ancient items have been officially returned to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a German family for more than ten decades.

The treasures, first gathered in the 1920s by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.

The assortment contained crowns, shields and artistic works, all viewed as culturally important in the country.

"These items still represent a symbol of the lasting and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose father was delivered during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, delivered the items at a gathering joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the family's goal to return the items was to "showcase their splendor with the audience and maintain the culture and history tied to my parent's origin."

These items were either donations or acquisitions, according to the family.

"I would like to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for practically expressing their deep appreciation for the nation by meticulously maintaining these items and importantly ensuring their homecoming to their proper country," commented the official.

She continued that the artefacts would in the near future be made accessible to the general audience for investigation and academic study, describing the decision a milestone in preserving the nation's national treasures.

"Efforts persist to repatriate historical objects that are found in the custody of collectors and entities all over the globe," she affirmed.

During colonialism in the African continent, thousands of cultural artefacts were taken.

This call by African countries for the return of taken objects has been responded to by some positive outcomes in the past few years - although some items are merely on temporary return.

Back in the year 2022, Germany was the initial state to return some of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to address its "complex colonial history."

Related Subjects

• Historical Repatriation Efforts in Africa
• The Effect of Imperial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts