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Around 12 ancient artefacts have been formally returned to Ethiopia following staying by a German family for more than 100 years.

The items, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by the German then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.

The assortment featured crowns, protective shields and canvases, each considered as historically important in the country.

"These artefacts continue to represent a emblem of the enduring and positive ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose parent was born during the family's assignment in Ethiopia, delivered the artefacts at a event joined by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He explained that the family's goal to return the artefacts was to "share their appeal with the people and safeguard the heritage and past linked to my father's origin."

These artefacts were either considered donations or purchases, based on the household.

"We want to express gratitude to Professor Weiss's relatives for concretely expressing their sincere love for the nation by carefully safeguarding these artifacts and importantly guaranteeing their repatriation to their rightful homeland," said the minister of tourism.

The minister noted that the pieces would in the near future be available to the people for investigation and academic study, terming the action a milestone in protecting Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Efforts are ongoing to bring back historical objects that are found in the custody of private persons and entities throughout the globe," she said.

In the era of colonialism in the African continent, thousands of traditional items were taken.

This call by nations in Africa for the restoration of stolen items has been met with a degree of positive outcomes in recent years - though a number of objects are just on temporary return.

In two years ago, the German government was the initial state to give back some of the renowned Benin artifacts to Nigeria in an attempt to deal with its "dark legacy."

Similar Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Efforts in the Continent
• This Effect of Imperial History on Contemporary African Culture
• International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Artefacts