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Exactly Twelve ancient objects have been officially restored to Ethiopia after remaining by a family in Germany for in excess of ten decades.

The treasures, first acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife his partner, were handed over on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.

The assortment contained headpieces, shields and artistic works, each regarded as historically significant in Ethiopia.

"These items continue to stand as a emblem of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, the representative to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose father was delivered during the family's service in the nation, presented the items at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He said that the household's goal to give back the artefacts was to "display their beauty with the public and safeguard the heritage and past tied to my parent's origin."

These artefacts were either considered donations or purchases, based on the family.

"I would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's family for concretely showing their deep appreciation for the nation by carefully maintaining these treasures and crucially ensuring their return to their legitimate nation," stated the official.

She noted that the pieces would soon be available to the public for research and educational purposes, describing the decision a landmark in safeguarding Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Actions persist to return historical objects that are found in the hands of individuals and organizations throughout the world," she stated.

During imperial control in the African continent, thousands 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 recent years - though several artefacts are only on short-term display.

Back in 2022, the German government was the pioneering country to give back a portion of the famous Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "troubled legacy."

Connected Themes

• Historical Return Initiatives in the Continent
• The Effect of Imperial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
• International Movements for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures