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Exactly Twelve ancient items have been formally given back to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a German family for in excess of a century.

These treasures, first acquired in the 1920's by Germany's diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his wife his partner, were delivered on midweek to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at the university in Addis Ababa.

The set included headpieces, shields and artistic works, all regarded as culturally important in the country.

"These items still serve as a mark of the lasting and amicable ties between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked the German diplomat, Germany's representative to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose father was born during the household's diplomatic posting in the nation, presented the items at a gathering attended by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He stated that the family's intention to restore the items was to "share their splendor with the people and preserve the heritage and history linked to my parent's beginning."

These artefacts were either gifts or purchases, based on the family.

"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for actively expressing their sincere appreciation for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these items and vitally guaranteeing their homecoming to their rightful nation," said the tourism minister.

The minister added that the items would shortly be available to the general audience for research and academic study, terming the action a milestone in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.

"Actions will continue to bring back ancient objects that are held in the hands of individuals and entities throughout the planet," the minister stated.

During colonial rule in Africa, thousands of cultural items were plundered.

The request by the continent's states for the restoration of looted objects has been met with certain positive outcomes in the past few years - though some objects are merely on temporary return.

Back in the year 2022, Germany was the first nation to repatriate a portion of the well-known historical items to the West African nation in an attempt to confront its "complex legacy."

Related Topics

• Cultural Repatriation Efforts in Africa
• The Impact of Colonial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• International Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Artefacts