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A total of 12 cultural artefacts have been ceremoniously given back to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a household from Germany for more than a century.

These artefacts, initially gathered in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.

This collection included royal crowns, protective shields and artistic works, each regarded as culturally important in the country.

"The treasures still stand as a symbol of the lasting and positive relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said Germany's envoy, Germany's envoy to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's assignment in the nation, handed over the objects at a gathering witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the household's intention to restore the items was to "display their beauty with the audience and safeguard the culture and past linked to my father's beginning."

These items were either considered gifts or purchases, as stated by the household.

"We want to thank Professor Weiss's family for actively expressing their sincere appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully maintaining these treasures and vitally ensuring their homecoming to their rightful homeland," commented the official.

She continued that the items would soon be made accessible to the general audience for investigation and scholarly work, terming the action a significant step in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.

"Actions will continue to repatriate ancient artifacts that are held in the hands of private persons and organizations throughout the world," the minister affirmed.

In the era of colonial rule in Africa, numerous of cultural items were taken.

The demand by the continent's states for the restoration of looted items has been met with certain positive outcomes in lately - even if several objects are just on short-term display.

In two years ago, Germany was the initial nation to return some of the famous Benin Bronzes to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to deal with its "complex past."

Connected Subjects

• Cultural Repatriation Movements in the Continent
• This Significance of Colonial History on Modern African Culture
• Global Movements for the Return of Looted Artefacts