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A total of 12 historical items have been formally restored to Ethiopia following remaining by a household from Germany for over a century.

The treasures, initially gathered in the 1920s by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

This assortment featured headpieces, armor and artistic works, each regarded as culturally important in the country.

"These items still serve as a emblem of the long-standing and friendly ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's representative to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a event witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the household's goal to give back the items was to "share their splendor with the people and safeguard the heritage and history tied to my father's origin."

The artefacts were either considered gifts or buys, as stated by the family.

"I want to thank the Weiss relatives for practically expressing their profound appreciation for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these items and importantly ensuring their return to their legitimate nation," commented the tourism minister.

She added that the items would in the near future be available to the general audience for investigation and scholarly work, terming the move a landmark in protecting the nation's historical legacy.

"Initiatives are ongoing to return historical items that are held in the hands of individuals and institutions throughout the globe," she said.

During imperial control in the African continent, thousands of cultural artefacts were plundered.

This request by nations in Africa for the return of taken objects has been responded to by some success in recent years - even if a number of artefacts are merely on temporary return.

Back in 2022, Germany was the first nation to give back a selection of the famous historical items to the West African nation in an attempt to deal with its "complex past."

Connected Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Movements in Africa
• This Significance of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Items