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Exactly Twelve ancient artefacts have been ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a family in Germany for over a century.

These treasures, first acquired in the 1920s by the German then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

The set contained crowns, shields and artistic works, all considered as culturally important in Ethiopia.

"These artefacts still represent a mark of the enduring and friendly ties between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to the East African country.

Professor a professor, whose father was born during the household's service in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a gathering joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He stated that the household's goal to give back the items was to "share their beauty with the people and preserve the heritage and history connected to my father's birth."

These artefacts were either considered presents or acquisitions, based on the family.

"I want to thank the Weiss family for actively showing their sincere appreciation for the nation by diligently maintaining these items and importantly securing their homecoming to their proper nation," stated the tourism minister.

The minister added that the pieces would in the near future be available to the public for research and educational purposes, describing the action a landmark in protecting the nation's historical legacy.

"Actions persist to bring back ancient items that are held in the custody of collectors and organizations throughout the globe," she affirmed.

In the era of colonialism in the African continent, numerous of cultural items were taken.

This call by African countries for the return of taken items has been responded to by a degree of positive outcomes in recent years - even if several items are merely on temporary return.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the initial nation to give back some of the famous Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in a bid to address its "complex legacy."

Related Themes

• Cultural Repatriation Initiatives in Africa
• The Impact of Imperial History on Modern Ethiopian Culture
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Treasures