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A total of Twelve cultural artefacts have been officially given back to Ethiopia after being kept by a German family for in excess of ten decades.

These artefacts, first acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

The collection contained royal crowns, shields and canvases, all regarded as culturally important in Ethiopia.

"The treasures continue to represent a emblem of the lasting and amicable ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, the ambassador to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's service in the nation, presented the items at a ceremony witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He stated that the household's aim to give back the items was to "showcase their appeal with the audience and safeguard the culture and history connected to my father's origin."

These artefacts were either considered presents or buys, according to the household.

"I want to thank the Weiss family for practically expressing their sincere affection for Ethiopia by meticulously safeguarding these artifacts and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their legitimate country," said the official.

She noted that the items would soon be made accessible to the public for study and educational purposes, calling the action a milestone in protecting the nation's cultural heritage.

"Actions are ongoing to return old objects that are held in the custody of collectors and institutions all over the globe," she affirmed.

During colonialism in Africa, many of traditional objects were looted.

The call by African countries for the restoration of looted objects has been answered with a degree of positive outcomes in lately - though some artefacts are just on loan.

In two years ago, the German government was the initial nation to return a portion of the well-known Benin artifacts to the West African nation in an attempt to deal with its "complex past."

Similar Subjects

• Historical Restoration Movements in Africa
• The Significance of Colonial Past on Contemporary African Heritage
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Looted Artefacts