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Exactly 12 ancient objects have been officially given back to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a household from Germany for in excess of a century.

The artefacts, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by Germany's representative to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.

This collection contained headpieces, armor and artistic works, each considered as culturally significant in the country.

"These items continue to represent a symbol of the enduring and amicable ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's representative to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's service in Ethiopia, delivered the items at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He stated that the household's goal to restore the items was to "display their splendor with the public and safeguard the heritage and history tied to my father's origin."

The artefacts were either donations or buys, according to the relatives.

"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss family for actively showing their profound appreciation for the nation by diligently maintaining these treasures and importantly guaranteeing their return to their legitimate nation," said the tourism minister.

She continued that the pieces would soon be made accessible to the public for study and scholarly work, calling the action a milestone in protecting the nation's cultural heritage.

"Efforts will continue to repatriate old items that are located in the possession of individuals and institutions throughout the planet," the minister stated.

In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, thousands of historical items were plundered.

This request by nations in Africa for the return of stolen items has been answered with certain progress in the past few years - even if some items are just on short-term display.

In two years ago, the German government was the first country to repatriate some of the renowned Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to deal with its "dark colonial history."

Connected Themes

• Historical Return Initiatives in Africa
• The Effect of Imperial Past on Modern African Heritage
• Global Movements for the Return of Looted Items