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Exactly Twelve cultural objects have been formally given back to Ethiopia following being kept by a German family for in excess of a century.

These artefacts, initially acquired in the 1920's by Germany's diplomat to Ethiopia a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at Addis Ababa University.

The assortment included headpieces, shields and artistic works, each considered as culturally valuable in Ethiopia.

"These items still represent a symbol of the lasting and positive connection between Germany and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the family's service in Ethiopia, delivered the artefacts at a gathering witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He said that the household's aim to restore the treasures was to "showcase their appeal with the people and maintain the culture and past linked to my father's origin."

The objects were either donations or buys, based on the relatives.

"I would like to thank Professor Weiss's family for actively expressing their profound affection for the nation by carefully preserving these artifacts and vitally securing their repatriation to their legitimate homeland," stated the tourism minister.

She continued that the pieces would soon be opened to the public for investigation and educational purposes, describing the move a significant step in safeguarding Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Efforts are ongoing to return old objects that are located in the possession of individuals and institutions all over the world," the minister affirmed.

During colonial rule in Africa, many of cultural objects were looted.

This request by nations in Africa for the restoration of looted artefacts has been met with certain progress in recent years - although a number of artefacts are just on short-term display.

In two years ago, Germany was the first country to give back a selection of the well-known historical items to the West African nation in a bid to address its "complex colonial history."

Related Topics

• Cultural Repatriation Movements in Africa
• This Effect of Colonial History on Modern African Culture
• Global Movements for the Restitution of Looted Treasures