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Around 12 ancient items were officially restored to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a family in Germany for more than ten decades.

The items, initially acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife his partner, were transferred on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

This collection featured royal crowns, protective shields and artistic works, all considered as culturally important in the country.

"These items still represent a emblem of the enduring and positive ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the household's service in the nation, presented the objects at a gathering joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's intention to return the items was to "display their splendor with the public and safeguard the culture and history linked to my parent's origin."

These items were either considered donations or purchases, as stated by the family.

"I want to express gratitude to the Weiss family for concretely showing their profound affection for the nation by meticulously maintaining these artifacts and importantly guaranteeing their repatriation to their proper country," stated the tourism minister.

The minister noted that the items would in the near future be opened to the general audience for investigation and educational purposes, terming the move a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Actions are ongoing to return ancient items that are held in the hands of individuals and entities throughout the globe," she said.

During colonial rule in the African continent, many of cultural items were plundered.

The demand by African countries for the restoration of stolen objects has been met with some progress in lately - though a number of items are just on short-term display.

In the year 2022, Germany was the pioneering country to return a portion of the famous Benin artifacts to the West African nation in a bid to address its "troubled legacy."

Related Subjects

• Historical Restoration Efforts in the Continent
• The Impact of Imperial Past on Modern African Heritage
• Global Movements for the Restitution of Looted Items