Twelve historical artefacts were returned to Ethiopia after being held by a German family for over a century. These items, collected in the 1920s by Franz Weiss, a German envoy to Ethiopia, and his wife Hedwig, were formally handed over on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
The returned collection includes culturally and historically significant pieces such as crowns, shields, and paintings. Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany’s envoy to Ethiopia, noted that the artefacts symbolize the long-standing relationship between the two countries. The handover ceremony was attended by Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the Weiss family’s diplomatic service in Ethiopia. Wyss stated that the family’s goal was to share the artefacts’ beauty and preserve the cultural history tied to his father’s birth.
The family described the items as either gifts or purchases made during their time in Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s Tourism Minister, Selamawit Kassa, expressed gratitude towards the Weiss family for returning the artefacts, highlighting their significance to Ethiopia’s cultural heritage. She indicated that the items will soon be accessible for public research and academic study, marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to safeguard its history.
Kassa also mentioned ongoing efforts to retrieve other cultural artefacts dispersed globally, particularly those taken during colonial rule in Africa. The return of such items is part of a broader movement among African nations seeking the return of looted cultural heritage. For example, in 2022, Germany returned several Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as part of its attempt to confront its colonial past.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07m7pl3njmo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss