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Exactly Twelve ancient items have been officially returned to the Ethiopian nation following staying by a German family for in excess of a century.

The treasures, initially acquired in the early twentieth century by Germany's then-envoy to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the research center at the capital's university.

This assortment contained crowns, protective shields and paintings, each considered as historically valuable in Ethiopia.

"These treasures still stand as a symbol of the lasting and friendly ties between the German nation and Ethiopia," stated Germany's envoy, Germany's ambassador to Ethiopia.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the family's assignment in the nation, handed over the objects at a ceremony joined by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the family's aim to give back the items was to "showcase their appeal with the audience and preserve the heritage and past connected to my parent's origin."

The items were either considered donations or purchases, according to the household.

"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's household for actively expressing their sincere appreciation for the nation by diligently safeguarding these artifacts and importantly securing their repatriation to their rightful nation," commented the official.

She added that the pieces would in the near future be available to the public for study and educational purposes, calling the action a significant step in safeguarding the nation's cultural heritage.

"Initiatives will continue to repatriate ancient objects that are located in the hands of collectors and institutions around the world," she stated.

In the era of colonial rule in the African continent, numerous of historical artefacts were looted.

The call by nations in Africa for the repatriation of taken artefacts has been answered with certain success in recent years - although a number of objects are just on temporary return.

Back in two years ago, Germany was the initial state to give back a selection of the well-known historical items to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "complex past."

Related Subjects

• Historical Repatriation Initiatives in Africa
• The Impact of Colonial History on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Campaigns for the Restitution of Stolen Items