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Around Twelve cultural objects were ceremoniously given back to the Ethiopian nation after remaining by a family in Germany for over 100 years.

The artefacts, originally acquired in the 1920's by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on midweek to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.

The collection contained royal crowns, armor and paintings, each considered as historically important in the country.

"These artefacts still represent a mark of the enduring and friendly ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's representative to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, delivered the objects at a event attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the family's intention to restore the treasures was to "share their splendor with the public and maintain the culture and history connected to my parent's origin."

These objects were either considered presents or purchases, according to the relatives.

"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss family for concretely demonstrating their sincere affection for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these treasures and crucially ensuring their return to their rightful country," commented the minister of tourism.

The minister added that the pieces would soon be opened to the general audience for investigation and scholarly work, terming the decision a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Actions will continue to repatriate old artifacts that are found in the custody of collectors and organizations all over the world," the minister stated.

During imperial control in the African continent, numerous of cultural items were plundered.

This call by the continent's states for the repatriation of taken items has been answered with some progress in the past few years - though some artefacts are only on short-term display.

In two years ago, the German government was the initial nation to give back some of the well-known historical items to Nigeria in a bid to address its "dark past."

Related Themes

• Cultural Restoration Movements in Africa
• The Effect of Colonial History on Contemporary African Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Items