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Exactly 12 cultural artefacts were formally restored to the Ethiopian nation following being kept by a German family for more than 100 years.

The treasures, originally gathered in the 1920's by the German representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

This set included crowns, armor and paintings, each considered as historically significant in Ethiopia.

"The items still represent a mark of the long-standing and amicable connection between the German nation and Ethiopia," said the German diplomat, the representative to Ethiopia.

Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the household's diplomatic posting in the nation, delivered the items at a event witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's goal to return the treasures was to "display their appeal with the people and safeguard the culture and history connected to my parent's birth."

The artefacts were either considered presents or buys, based on the relatives.

"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for concretely showing their sincere love for the nation by diligently preserving these treasures and vitally ensuring their repatriation to their proper homeland," said the minister of tourism.

She added that the items would shortly be available to the general audience for study and academic study, describing the decision a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Actions are ongoing to repatriate historical items that are found in the custody of private persons and entities throughout the world," she stated.

During colonial rule in Africa, many of traditional items were taken.

The call by the continent's states for the return of looted artefacts has been met with a degree of progress in the past few years - though several objects are just on loan.

Back in 2022, the German government was the pioneering state to give back a portion of the famous historical items to Nigeria in an attempt to confront its "troubled past."

Connected Subjects

• Cultural Repatriation Movements in Africa
• The Significance of Colonial History on Modern African Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Treasures