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Exactly Twelve cultural objects were formally given back to Ethiopia after remaining by a German family for over ten decades.

The treasures, originally gathered in the early twentieth century by the German then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on Wednesday to the Ethiopian Studies Institute at the university in Addis Ababa.

This set contained crowns, shields and canvases, all regarded as historically valuable in Ethiopia.

"The treasures still stand as a symbol of the enduring and friendly connection between Germany and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, the representative to Ethiopia.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, delivered the artefacts at a ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He stated that the household's intention to return the artefacts was to "display their beauty with the public and maintain the heritage and history connected to my parent's beginning."

The objects were either considered gifts or acquisitions, as stated by the household.

"I want to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for practically demonstrating their sincere love for the nation by meticulously maintaining these treasures and crucially ensuring their return to their proper homeland," commented the minister of tourism.

She added that the items would in the near future be available to the people for study and academic study, terming the action a significant step in preserving the nation's historical legacy.

"Initiatives are ongoing to return ancient items that are found in the hands of individuals and organizations throughout the planet," the minister said.

During imperial control in Africa, many of traditional artefacts were plundered.

The demand by African countries for the restoration of stolen objects has been responded to by some success in lately - although a number of artefacts are only on temporary return.

Back in two years ago, Germany was the first nation to give back a portion of the famous Benin artifacts to Nigeria in an attempt to confront its "troubled past."

Related Topics

• Historical Restoration Movements in Africa
• The Significance of Colonial History on Modern African Heritage
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Looted Treasures