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Exactly Twelve ancient objects were ceremoniously restored to the Ethiopian nation after remaining by a household from Germany for in excess of 100 years.

These artefacts, originally gathered in the 1920s by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his spouse Hedwig, were handed over on this past Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.

The assortment contained royal crowns, shields and paintings, each viewed as historically significant in the country.

"These items continue to stand as a symbol of the long-standing and positive ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to Ethiopia.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose parent was delivered during the household's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, delivered the artefacts at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He explained that the household's aim to give back the artefacts was to "share their beauty with the people and safeguard the culture and history tied to my parent's beginning."

The items were either considered donations or acquisitions, as stated by the household.

"I would like to thank Professor Weiss's relatives for practically demonstrating their profound appreciation for the nation by diligently safeguarding these items and crucially guaranteeing their return to their rightful country," commented the minister of tourism.

She continued that the pieces would shortly be made accessible to the people for study and scholarly work, terming the decision a milestone in preserving Ethiopia's historical legacy.

"Efforts are ongoing to bring back historical objects that are held in the hands of private persons and entities all over the globe," the minister affirmed.

During colonialism in the African continent, thousands of traditional items were plundered.

The call by the continent's states for the restoration of stolen items has been responded to by certain positive outcomes in the past few years - although some objects are just on temporary return.

In two years ago, the German government was the initial state to repatriate some of the famous Benin artifacts to the West African nation in an attempt to deal with its "dark past."

Connected Subjects

• Cultural Restoration Initiatives in the Continent
• This Significance of Imperial Past on Contemporary Ethiopian Heritage
• International Campaigns for the Return of Looted Treasures