Ethiopia has received twelve historic artefacts that were kept in Germany for more than 100 years, marking a significant moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage.
The items were formally handed over to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University on Wednesday. They were originally collected in the 1920s by Germany’s envoy to Ethiopia, Franz Weiss, and his wife Hedwig during their diplomatic stay.
The repatriated collection includes crowns, shields, and traditional paintings, all regarded as culturally and historically valuable treasures in Ethiopia.
Germany’s envoy to Ethiopia, Ferdinand von Weyhe, described the artefacts as “a symbol of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia.”
The handover ceremony was led by Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the Weiss family’s diplomatic tenure in Ethiopia. Wyss said the family decided to return the items to ensure their beauty and historical significance could be shared with the public.
Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa expressed gratitude to the Weiss family for preserving the artefacts over the years and ensuring their rightful return. She announced that the pieces will soon be made accessible for public viewing, research, and academic work, calling the handover “a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia’s cultural heritage.”
She added that efforts will continue to recover additional ancient Ethiopian artefacts held in private collections and institutions around the world.
During Africa’s colonial era, thousands of cultural treasures were looted and taken overseas. In recent years, several African nations have pushed for their return — with varying degrees of success. Some items have been permanently returned, while others remain on long-term loan agreements.
In 2022, Germany became the first country to return several of the famed Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as part of its efforts to confront its colonial past.
