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Exactly Twelve ancient items have been officially restored to the Ethiopian nation after being kept by a German family for more than a century.

These artefacts, initially gathered in the 1920s by the German representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

This collection featured crowns, protective shields and artistic works, all regarded as culturally significant in the country.

"The treasures continue to stand as a symbol of the lasting and amicable connection between Germany and Ethiopia," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose father was delivered during the family's service in the nation, presented the items at a event witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the household's aim to restore the treasures was to "showcase their beauty with the public and maintain the culture and history tied to my parent's origin."

These objects were either considered gifts or purchases, as stated by the household.

"I want to thank the Weiss relatives for practically demonstrating their deep appreciation for Ethiopia by carefully maintaining these treasures and vitally securing their homecoming to their rightful nation," stated the tourism minister.

She continued that the items would soon be available to the public for study and scholarly work, describing the move a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Efforts are ongoing to bring back old items that are found in the possession of individuals and institutions throughout the world," the minister said.

In the era of colonial rule in Africa, thousands of historical items were plundered.

This call by nations in Africa for the repatriation of taken items has been met with a degree of success in recent years - even if a number of objects are merely on loan.

In two years ago, Germany was the pioneering state to repatriate a portion of the famous Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to deal with its "complex legacy."

Connected Themes

• Historical Return Movements in the Continent
• This Effect of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Movements for the Restitution of Looted Items