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Around 12 historical artefacts were officially given back to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a family in Germany for in excess of ten decades.

The treasures, originally gathered in the 1920s by the German then-envoy to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.

The assortment featured crowns, armor and artistic works, each regarded as culturally significant in Ethiopia.

"The treasures continue to stand as a mark of the long-standing and friendly ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated Ferdinand von Weyhe, the ambassador to Ethiopia.

Dr. a professor, whose father was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a ceremony joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He said that the household's goal to restore the artefacts was to "display their beauty with the people and preserve the culture and past tied to my parent's beginning."

These objects were either considered gifts or purchases, based on the household.

"We want to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for practically showing their deep affection for the nation by meticulously preserving these artifacts and vitally securing their return to their rightful homeland," said the tourism minister.

The minister continued that the pieces would soon be available to the people for research and academic study, terming the move a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Initiatives will continue to bring back ancient objects that are found in the custody of individuals and entities around the globe," the minister stated.

In the era of colonialism in the African continent, thousands of historical artefacts were taken.

This call by the continent's states for the restoration of taken objects has been met with a degree of positive outcomes in the past few years - although a number of objects are just on temporary return.

Back in the year 2022, the German government was the pioneering nation to repatriate a portion of the renowned Benin artifacts to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "complex legacy."

Related Subjects

• Historical Repatriation Efforts in Africa
• The Significance of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Artefacts