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Exactly Twelve historical objects were ceremoniously given back to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a German family for more than 100 years.

These items, initially collected in the 1920s by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were transferred on Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.

This collection contained headpieces, shields and paintings, each viewed as culturally significant in Ethiopia.

"The items continue to serve as a emblem of the lasting and friendly ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," stated Germany's envoy, the envoy to Ethiopia.

Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a gathering joined by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He stated that the household's aim to restore the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the people and safeguard the heritage and history tied to my parent's birth."

These objects were either donations or purchases, according to the household.

"We would like to thank the Weiss household for actively expressing their deep affection for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these items and importantly ensuring their return to their proper country," stated the official.

The minister continued that the items would in the near future be available to the general audience for investigation and scholarly work, describing the action a landmark in preserving the nation's historical legacy.

"Initiatives persist to return old items that are found in the hands of individuals and entities all over the globe," the minister said.

In the era of imperial control in the African continent, numerous of traditional objects were looted.

This call by the continent's states for the repatriation of taken objects has been met with some progress in recent years - although some items are only on temporary return.

In two years ago, Germany was the first country to return a selection of the famous Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people in a bid to confront its "troubled colonial history."

Connected Themes

• Cultural Restoration Initiatives in Africa
• This Significance of Imperial History on Contemporary African Heritage
• International Movements for the Return of Looted Items