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Exactly 12 cultural artefacts have been formally returned to Ethiopia following remaining by a family in Germany for more than ten decades.

The items, initially acquired in the 1920's by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.

The collection contained headpieces, shields and artistic works, all regarded as historically significant in the nation.

"These treasures still represent a symbol of the enduring and friendly ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, the ambassador to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose parent was born during the household's service in the nation, presented the items at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the family's aim to restore the treasures was to "display their appeal with the audience and maintain the heritage and past linked to my parent's birth."

The objects were either considered gifts or buys, according to the family.

"We would like to thank the Weiss household for practically demonstrating their sincere affection for the nation by diligently maintaining these treasures and crucially ensuring their return to their rightful homeland," said the minister of tourism.

The minister added that the items would soon be made accessible to the people for research and educational purposes, describing the move a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Efforts are ongoing to bring back historical objects that are found in the custody of individuals and organizations throughout the planet," the minister said.

In the era of imperial control in Africa, many of traditional items were taken.

The call by African countries for the repatriation of stolen objects has been met with certain progress in the past few years - though several objects are just on short-term display.

In 2022, the German government was the initial nation to give back some of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to deal with its "complex colonial history."

Connected Topics

• Historical Return Movements in the Continent
• The Impact of Colonial History on Modern African Culture
• International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items