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Exactly Twelve cultural artefacts have been ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia following remaining by a German family for more than 100 years.

The items, initially collected in the 1920's by Germany's representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were delivered on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

This set contained royal crowns, shields and artistic works, all considered as culturally important in Ethiopia.

"The items still serve as a symbol of the lasting and amicable ties between Germany and Ethiopia," said the German diplomat, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, handed over the artefacts at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's intention to return the items was to "display their splendor with the audience and safeguard the culture and past linked to my parent's origin."

The artefacts were either considered gifts or acquisitions, according to the relatives.

"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for concretely expressing their deep love for the nation by carefully maintaining these items and vitally securing their return to their rightful nation," said the official.

She continued that the artefacts would in the near future be available to the general audience for study and scholarly work, describing the move a significant step in safeguarding Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Actions will continue to return historical items that are found in the possession of individuals and institutions throughout the planet," she said.

During imperial control in Africa, thousands of traditional objects were looted.

This demand by the continent's states for the repatriation of taken objects has been answered with a degree of progress in lately - though several objects are only on temporary return.

In the year 2022, the German government was the initial country to return a selection of the famous Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in a bid to address its "dark legacy."

Connected Themes

• Historical Restoration Movements in the Continent
• The Impact of Imperial History on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Movements for the Return of Stolen Artefacts