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A total of 12 cultural artefacts have been ceremoniously given back to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a German family for in excess of 100 years.

These treasures, first acquired in the early twentieth century by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

The assortment included crowns, protective shields and paintings, each regarded as historically significant in the country.

"The treasures still stand as a emblem of the long-standing and friendly ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said the German diplomat, the representative to Ethiopia.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the family's service in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a event joined by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He stated that the family's goal to return the artefacts was to "share their splendor with the public and maintain the heritage and history linked to my father's beginning."

These objects were either donations or purchases, based on the relatives.

"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss family for actively expressing their sincere appreciation for Ethiopia by meticulously safeguarding these artifacts and importantly ensuring their homecoming to their legitimate homeland," stated the tourism minister.

She continued that the items would in the near future be available to the people for study and academic study, describing the action a significant step in protecting the nation's cultural heritage.

"Initiatives are ongoing to bring back old objects that are found in the possession of private persons and institutions all over the world," the minister affirmed.

During colonial rule in Africa, many of cultural items were looted.

This demand by nations in Africa for the repatriation of taken artefacts has been met with a degree of progress in recent years - even if a number of objects are only on short-term display.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the pioneering state to give back some of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in a bid to deal with its "troubled colonial history."

Connected Themes

• Cultural Restoration Movements in the Continent
• The Impact of Imperial Past on Contemporary African Culture
• International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts