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A total of 12 ancient objects were ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia following staying by a German family for more than 100 years.

These artefacts, initially collected in the 1920's by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.

The set included crowns, protective shields and canvases, all regarded as historically significant in Ethiopia.

"The artefacts continue to represent a mark of the long-standing and friendly relationship between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, Germany's representative to the East African country.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was born during the household's assignment in the nation, delivered the artefacts at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the family's aim to restore the treasures was to "share their beauty with the public and maintain the culture and past connected to my father's origin."

These artefacts were either considered donations or buys, according to the household.

"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss household for practically expressing their sincere love for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these artifacts and crucially ensuring their repatriation to their legitimate nation," stated the tourism minister.

The minister added that the artefacts would in the near future be made accessible to the people for study and educational purposes, describing the decision a landmark in protecting Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Initiatives will continue to return old artifacts that are held in the possession of individuals and entities throughout the world," she said.

During colonialism in the African continent, many of traditional objects were plundered.

This call by African countries for the repatriation of looted artefacts has been answered with some progress in lately - although a number of objects are just on temporary return.

In the year 2022, the German government was the pioneering nation to return a selection of the famous Benin artifacts to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "troubled past."

Similar Subjects

• Historical Return Efforts in the Continent
• This Significance of Imperial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
• Global Movements for the Return of Stolen Items