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A total of 12 cultural items have been formally returned to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for in excess of 100 years.

These items, first gathered in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.

The assortment featured crowns, protective shields and paintings, each viewed as culturally significant in the country.

"The items continue to stand as a emblem of the enduring and positive connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to the East African country.

Professor a professor, whose father was delivered during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a gathering joined by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the household's goal to restore the treasures was to "display their appeal with the people and safeguard the culture and past linked to my parent's beginning."

The artefacts were either gifts or buys, as stated by the relatives.

"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for concretely expressing their profound love for Ethiopia by carefully maintaining these treasures and vitally ensuring their repatriation to their rightful homeland," stated the official.

The minister noted that the pieces would shortly be available to the public for study and scholarly work, describing the decision a significant step in preserving the nation's national treasures.

"Actions will continue to bring back ancient artifacts that are held in the possession of individuals and organizations throughout the world," the minister affirmed.

In the era of colonialism in the African continent, numerous of traditional artefacts were plundered.

This request by nations in Africa for the restoration of looted artefacts has been responded to by certain progress in lately - though a number of objects are only on loan.

Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering state to return some of the renowned Benin artifacts to the West African nation as part of an effort to address its "dark legacy."

Connected Topics

• Cultural Return Movements in the Continent
• The Effect of Imperial History on Contemporary African Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Artefacts