Century-old Ethiopian artefacts return from Germany in cultural repatriation milestone
Twelve historical artefacts, long held by a German family, have been officially returned to Ethiopia, marking a significant moment in the ongoing effort to reclaim African cultural heritage.
The items, including crowns, shields, and paintings, were originally collected in the 1920s by Germany’s then-envoy to Ethiopia, Franz Weiss, and his wife Hedwig.
The artefacts were formally handed over on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
Germany’s current envoy to Ethiopia, Ferdinand von Weyhe, described the handover as a symbol of the “long-standing and friendly relationship” between the two nations.
The ceremony was led by Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family’s diplomatic posting in Ethiopia.
Speaking at the event, Professor Wyss said the family’s goal was to “share their beauty with the public and preserve the culture and history connected to my father’s birth,” noting that the items were either gifts or purchases rather than spoils of war.
Ethiopia’s Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa expressed deep gratitude to the family for safeguarding the artefacts over the decades.
“I would like to thank Professor Weiss’s family for practically expressing their profound love for Ethiopia and ensuring their return to their rightful homeland,” she said.
She also confirmed that the artefacts would soon be available for public viewing and academic research, calling the return a milestone in the preservation of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage.
The repatriation reflects a broader continental movement for the return of African cultural property taken during colonial times.
While progress has been gradual, some notable breakthroughs have been achieved.
In 2022, Germany repatriated a collection of Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, confronting aspects of its colonial history.
The return of these Ethiopian artefacts adds further momentum to Africa’s efforts to reclaim its cultural patrimony and preserve the legacies of its historic civilizations.
