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Around 12 historical objects have been formally given back to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a family in Germany for in excess of a century.

The treasures, originally collected in the 1920's by Germany's diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

This set contained royal crowns, protective shields and paintings, all viewed as culturally important in the nation.

"The artefacts continue to represent a mark of the lasting and positive connection between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to Ethiopia.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's service in the nation, delivered the objects at a gathering attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the family's goal to give back the items was to "display their appeal with the people and safeguard the culture and history tied to my parent's origin."

These objects were either considered donations or purchases, based on the household.

"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for concretely showing their sincere affection for Ethiopia by meticulously safeguarding these treasures and vitally guaranteeing their repatriation to their legitimate country," commented the tourism minister.

The minister added that the items would shortly be opened to the people for research and academic study, terming the decision a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Initiatives persist to repatriate historical artifacts that are held in the hands of collectors and institutions all over the globe," the minister affirmed.

In the era of colonialism in Africa, many of historical items were taken.

The request by nations in Africa for the return of looted objects has been responded to by certain positive outcomes in lately - although some artefacts are just on temporary return.

Back in the year 2022, the German government was the pioneering state to repatriate some of the famous Benin artifacts to Nigeria in a bid to confront its "complex colonial history."

Related Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Movements in Africa
• This Impact of Colonial Past on Modern African Heritage
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts