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Exactly 12 ancient items have been formally returned to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a German family for over 100 years.

These artefacts, initially collected in the 1920s by the German diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse his partner, were delivered on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the capital's university.

This set included headpieces, shields and paintings, all regarded as historically valuable in the nation.

"The artefacts still represent a mark of the enduring and amicable ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose parent was delivered during the family's diplomatic posting in the nation, presented the artefacts at a ceremony joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the family's aim to give back the treasures was to "showcase their beauty with the people and maintain the culture and history linked to my parent's beginning."

The objects were either considered gifts or acquisitions, according to the household.

"We would like to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's household for practically expressing their deep love for the nation by carefully preserving these artifacts and importantly guaranteeing their repatriation to their legitimate homeland," stated the official.

The minister added that the items would shortly be available to the public for investigation and academic study, terming the move a significant step in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Actions will continue to repatriate old objects that are held in the hands of individuals and entities throughout the planet," the minister affirmed.

In the era of imperial control in Africa, thousands of traditional items were looted.

This demand by the continent's states for the return of taken artefacts has been met with some success in the past few years - though several objects are just on short-term display.

Back in 2022, the German government was the initial country to repatriate a selection of the renowned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "troubled legacy."

Connected Subjects

• Cultural Return Efforts in the Continent
• The Impact of Imperial History on Contemporary African Culture
• International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Items