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Exactly Twelve ancient artefacts were formally given back to Ethiopia following being kept by a family in Germany for in excess of a century.

The artefacts, originally acquired in the early twentieth century by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.

The set featured headpieces, shields and canvases, each viewed as historically important in the country.

"These artefacts continue to stand as a symbol of the enduring and amicable relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked Germany's envoy, the ambassador to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He explained that the household's goal to return the items was to "showcase their beauty with the public and maintain the culture and past tied to my parent's birth."

The objects were either considered presents or purchases, based on the relatives.

"We want to express gratitude to the Weiss household for practically expressing their sincere affection for the nation by diligently safeguarding these items and vitally guaranteeing their homecoming to their proper country," commented the official.

She noted that the artefacts would in the near future be opened to the public for study and scholarly work, describing the move a landmark in safeguarding Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Efforts will continue to repatriate ancient artifacts that are located in the hands of collectors and institutions around the world," she affirmed.

In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of cultural artefacts were looted.

The demand by African countries for the return of stolen items has been answered with a degree of progress in recent years - though a number of objects are just on temporary return.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the initial state to give back some of the famous historical items to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to address its "dark past."

Similar Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Movements in the Continent
• The Significance of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
• International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Treasures