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Around 12 historical objects have been formally restored to Ethiopia after remaining by a household from Germany for over 100 years.

The treasures, first gathered in the early twentieth century by the German diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the research center at Addis Ababa University.

This set featured royal crowns, armor and paintings, each viewed as culturally significant in Ethiopia.

"These treasures continue to serve as a mark of the lasting and amicable relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to Ethiopia.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the items at a event attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the family's aim to return the artefacts was to "display their appeal with the public and maintain the culture and past connected to my father's birth."

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

"We would like to express gratitude to the Weiss family for actively expressing their profound love for Ethiopia by carefully safeguarding these items and vitally ensuring their return to their rightful nation," stated the minister of tourism.

She noted that the items would in the near future be made accessible to the public for research and scholarly work, calling the decision a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Efforts persist to return ancient artifacts that are held in the custody of private persons and institutions around the world," she stated.

During colonial rule in the African continent, many of cultural artefacts were plundered.

This demand by African countries for the restoration of stolen artefacts has been responded to by some success in recent years - though a number of artefacts are merely on loan.

Back in 2022, Germany was the first country to repatriate some of the famous historical items to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "troubled colonial history."

Connected Subjects

• Historical Return Initiatives in the Continent
• This Impact of Colonial Past on Modern African Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Looted Artefacts