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Around Twelve cultural objects were ceremoniously restored to Ethiopia after remaining by a German family for in excess of a century.

These items, first collected in the 1920's by the German then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife his partner, were transferred on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.

This collection included crowns, protective shields and canvases, each considered as historically important in the country.

"The items continue to represent a emblem of the lasting and amicable relationship between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, the envoy to the East African country.

Professor a professor, whose father was born during the household's service in Ethiopia, handed over the objects at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's intention to restore the items was to "share their appeal with the audience and safeguard the heritage and past linked to my father's origin."

The items were either considered gifts or buys, as stated by the household.

"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for actively showing their deep affection for the nation by carefully maintaining these artifacts and vitally securing their repatriation to their legitimate nation," stated the minister of tourism.

She continued that the items would soon be made accessible to the public for investigation and scholarly work, terming the action a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Initiatives persist to return ancient objects that are held in the custody of collectors and institutions around the globe," she said.

During colonialism in Africa, many of cultural artefacts were taken.

This call by African countries for the repatriation of looted artefacts has been answered with some progress in lately - although some items are only on loan.

Back in the year 2022, Germany was the initial nation to repatriate a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in a bid to confront its "troubled colonial history."

Similar Subjects

• Historical Repatriation Efforts in Africa
• This Significance of Colonial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Movements for the Restitution of Looted Items