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A total of 12 ancient items were formally restored to Ethiopia following being kept by a household from Germany for over ten decades.

These artefacts, first gathered in the early twentieth century by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

This assortment included royal crowns, armor and canvases, all viewed as culturally valuable in the nation.

"These treasures still serve as a symbol of the enduring and amicable ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to the East African country.

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

He stated that the household's intention to return the artefacts was to "share their splendor with the people and maintain the culture and history tied to my father's beginning."

These items were either considered presents or buys, according to the relatives.

"I would like to express gratitude to the Weiss family for practically showing their profound appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully preserving these treasures and importantly securing their homecoming to their legitimate homeland," commented the tourism minister.

The minister noted that the pieces would soon be available to the public for study and scholarly work, describing the move a landmark in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Efforts are ongoing to bring back historical items that are located in the custody of private persons and institutions all over the globe," the minister said.

In the era of colonialism in Africa, thousands of cultural objects were taken.

The request by the continent's states for the repatriation of looted objects has been answered with some progress in the past few years - even if several items are just on short-term display.

In two years ago, Germany was the initial state to repatriate some of the famous Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people in a bid to confront its "dark legacy."

Connected Subjects

• Historical Restoration Efforts in the Continent
• This Significance of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures