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Exactly 12 ancient items have been formally restored to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a family in Germany for more than ten decades.

The items, originally gathered in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.

This collection included royal crowns, armor and artistic works, all regarded as historically valuable in Ethiopia.

"These artefacts still serve as a mark of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and the Ethiopian people," said the German diplomat, the envoy to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose father was born during the family's assignment in the nation, presented the items at a ceremony witnessed by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the household's goal to give back the items was to "display their appeal with the people and maintain the culture and history tied to my parent's birth."

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

"We want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for concretely expressing their deep appreciation for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these treasures and vitally guaranteeing their return to their proper nation," stated the tourism minister.

She added that the items would shortly be made accessible to the public for study and scholarly work, terming the decision a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Initiatives are ongoing to repatriate historical artifacts that are held in the custody of private persons and institutions around the planet," she stated.

During colonialism in the African continent, many of historical items were plundered.

The demand by African countries for the return of looted objects has been responded to by a degree of positive outcomes in the past few years - though a number of artefacts are only on short-term display.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the first country to repatriate a portion of the well-known Benin artifacts to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to address its "complex colonial history."

Connected Subjects

• Cultural Return Movements in the Continent
• The Impact of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
• International Movements for the Return of Stolen Artefacts