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Around Twelve ancient artefacts have been ceremoniously restored to Ethiopia after staying by a German family for in excess of a century.

The items, originally acquired in the 1920's by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

The assortment included crowns, shields and canvases, each regarded as historically important in the country.

"These items continue to stand as a mark of the long-standing and positive connection between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to Ethiopia.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's service in Ethiopia, handed over the objects at a gathering witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the household's goal to give back the items was to "display their appeal with the people and safeguard the culture and past tied to my father's origin."

The artefacts were either presents or buys, as stated by the household.

"I want to thank the Weiss household for actively showing their sincere love for Ethiopia by meticulously maintaining these artifacts and importantly securing their homecoming to their rightful country," commented the tourism minister.

The minister continued that the items would soon be opened to the public for investigation and academic study, terming the decision a milestone in protecting the nation's historical legacy.

"Actions will continue to return historical objects that are found in the hands of individuals and entities around the planet," the minister stated.

During colonialism in the African continent, numerous of traditional objects were taken.

This demand by the continent's states for the return of stolen objects has been met with a degree of success in recent years - although several items are merely on temporary return.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the initial nation to repatriate a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in an attempt to address its "dark colonial history."

Connected Topics

• Historical Return Initiatives in the Continent
• This Significance of Colonial History on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures