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A total of Twelve cultural items have been officially given back to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a family in Germany for more than 100 years.

These treasures, first collected in the 1920's by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the capital's university.

This collection contained headpieces, protective shields and paintings, each considered as historically significant in the nation.

"The treasures still stand as a mark of the enduring and positive ties between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's service in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a event witnessed by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He said that the family's aim to return the artefacts was to "share their beauty with the people and preserve the culture and history linked to my father's birth."

The items were either donations or buys, according to the household.

"I would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for practically expressing their profound love for Ethiopia by diligently preserving these artifacts and vitally securing their return to their legitimate country," said the official.

The minister continued that the pieces would in the near future be made accessible to the people for investigation and scholarly work, describing the move a significant step in preserving the nation's national treasures.

"Initiatives are ongoing to bring back ancient objects that are found in the hands of individuals and entities around the globe," she stated.

During imperial control in Africa, numerous of historical items were plundered.

The demand by nations in Africa for the restoration of taken objects has been responded to by a degree of positive outcomes in the past few years - though several items are only on loan.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the pioneering state to return a portion of the famous historical items to the Nigerian people in a bid to deal with its "dark legacy."

Related Topics

• Historical Repatriation Initiatives in the Continent
• The Significance of Colonial History on Contemporary African Heritage
• Global Movements for the Return of Looted Treasures