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Around 12 cultural objects have been ceremoniously returned to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a family in Germany for more than 100 years.

These items, originally acquired in the 1920's by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were transferred on midweek to the research center at Addis Ababa University.

The collection contained headpieces, shields and canvases, each regarded as historically significant in the country.

"These items still stand as a emblem of the enduring and amicable connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said Germany's envoy, Germany's representative to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the household's service in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a event witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He explained that the family's intention to give back the treasures was to "showcase their splendor with the people and maintain the heritage and history linked to my parent's origin."

These items were either considered presents or purchases, as stated by the family.

"We want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for practically expressing their profound love for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these treasures and vitally securing their homecoming to their rightful country," said the official.

The minister noted that the artefacts would in the near future be made accessible to the public for research and scholarly work, describing the decision a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Initiatives will continue to bring back historical objects that are held in the custody of private persons and institutions around the planet," she affirmed.

In the era of imperial control in the African continent, numerous of historical objects were plundered.

This request by African countries for the repatriation of stolen artefacts has been met with a degree of positive outcomes in recent years - even if some objects are just on temporary return.

In two years ago, the German government was the pioneering country to return a selection of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in an attempt to confront its "troubled legacy."

Related Themes

• Cultural Repatriation Initiatives in Africa
• The Impact of Imperial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Treasures