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A total of 12 ancient items have been officially returned to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for more than a century.

These items, initially collected in the 1920's by the German representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were handed over on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

This set featured headpieces, protective shields and paintings, all regarded as historically significant in the nation.

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

Professor a professor, whose father was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a event attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's aim to give back the treasures was to "display their splendor with the people and preserve the culture and past connected to my father's origin."

The items were either considered donations or purchases, based on the relatives.

"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for practically demonstrating their sincere affection for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these items and importantly securing their homecoming to their rightful nation," said the official.

She added that the artefacts would soon be made accessible to the people for investigation and scholarly work, describing the decision a significant step in protecting the nation's cultural heritage.

"Efforts will continue to repatriate old objects that are found in the hands of individuals and institutions throughout the world," she affirmed.

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

The demand by the continent's states for the repatriation of stolen items has been met with a degree of progress in lately - though some artefacts are merely on short-term display.

Back in the year 2022, Germany was the first nation to return some of the renowned Benin artifacts to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "complex legacy."

Connected Themes

• Historical Restoration Movements in the Continent
• The Significance of Imperial History on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• International Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts