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A total of Twelve cultural items have been officially given back to the Ethiopian nation after remaining by a German family for more than ten decades.

The items, originally collected in the 1920s by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

This collection included headpieces, armor and artistic works, each considered as historically important in the country.

"These treasures continue to serve as a emblem of the long-standing and amicable ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, the ambassador to Ethiopia.

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

He said that the family's aim to return the items was to "showcase their splendor with the people and preserve the culture and history tied to my parent's birth."

The artefacts were either considered presents or buys, as stated by the relatives.

"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for practically expressing their sincere appreciation for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these items and vitally securing their return to their proper nation," commented the minister of tourism.

The minister noted that the artefacts would shortly be made accessible to the people for study and educational purposes, describing the decision a significant step in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Efforts will continue to return historical items that are found in the possession of individuals and institutions throughout the world," the minister stated.

In the era of imperial control in the African continent, numerous of traditional objects were plundered.

This request by nations in Africa for the return of looted objects has been met with a degree of success in lately - though a number of items are just on short-term display.

In 2022, the German government was the initial nation to give back some of the well-known historical items to the West African nation in a bid to confront its "complex legacy."

Related Topics

• Cultural Return Movements in the Continent
• The Significance of Colonial Past on Modern African Heritage
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Artefacts