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A total of 12 historical objects have been ceremoniously given back to the Ethiopian nation after staying by a German family for over 100 years.

These items, first gathered in the 1920s by Germany's representative to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the research center at the university in Addis Ababa.

This set contained royal crowns, shields and artistic works, all regarded as historically important in Ethiopia.

"These treasures continue to stand as a mark of the lasting and friendly ties between Germany and the Ethiopian people," stated the German diplomat, Germany's representative to the East African country.

Dr. a professor, whose father was delivered during the household's assignment in Ethiopia, handed over the objects at a event attended by the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the family's intention to give back the items was to "showcase their appeal with the people and maintain the heritage and history tied to my parent's origin."

These artefacts were either donations or buys, based on the relatives.

"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's family for concretely showing their sincere love for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these artifacts and vitally ensuring their repatriation to their proper nation," said the minister of tourism.

The minister added that the artefacts would in the near future be available to the people for investigation and academic study, describing the move a landmark in protecting the nation's national treasures.

"Efforts will continue to return ancient objects that are held in the hands of private persons and institutions all over the world," she affirmed.

In the era of colonialism in Africa, numerous of historical items were looted.

The call by African countries for the return of looted objects has been answered with a degree of positive outcomes in recent years - though some items are merely on short-term display.

Back in two years ago, the German government was the initial country to give back some of the well-known Benin artifacts to the West African nation as part of an effort to address its "complex colonial history."

Similar Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Efforts in Africa
• This Significance of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Culture
• International Movements for the Return of Stolen Artefacts