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Exactly Twelve historical items were ceremoniously restored to Ethiopia following remaining by a household from Germany for in excess of 100 years.

These artefacts, originally gathered in the 1920s by the German diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

The set contained crowns, protective shields and artistic works, each considered as culturally significant in the nation.

"These items still stand as a emblem of the long-standing and positive ties between Germany and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose father was born during the household's service in the nation, presented the objects at a ceremony joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the household's intention to give back the items was to "share their beauty with the people and preserve the culture and history tied to my parent's birth."

The items were either donations or acquisitions, according to the relatives.

"I would like to express gratitude to the Weiss relatives for practically showing their profound affection for the nation by meticulously maintaining these items and crucially guaranteeing their homecoming to their legitimate country," said the minister of tourism.

The minister added that the items would soon be available to the public for investigation and academic study, terming the action a significant step in preserving Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Actions are ongoing to return old artifacts that are found in the hands of individuals and entities all over the world," the minister stated.

During colonial rule in Africa, many of traditional items were looted.

The call by the continent's states for the repatriation of taken items has been met with some success in recent years - though several artefacts are just on short-term display.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the first country to repatriate a selection of the well-known historical items to the Nigerian people as part of an effort to deal with its "dark past."

Connected Themes

• Cultural Repatriation Efforts in the Continent
• The Significance of Imperial Past on Contemporary African Heritage
• Global Movements for the Return of Looted Artefacts