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A total of 12 cultural artefacts were ceremoniously returned to Ethiopia after staying by a family in Germany for in excess of 100 years.

The artefacts, originally acquired in the 1920s by Germany's diplomat to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his spouse his partner, were delivered on this past Wednesday to the research center at the capital's university.

The collection included royal crowns, shields and paintings, each considered as historically valuable in the country.

"The treasures still stand as a symbol of the long-standing and friendly connection between Germany and the Ethiopian people," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose father was delivered during the family's service in Ethiopia, delivered the items at a event attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa.

He said that the family's goal to give back the artefacts was to "showcase their appeal with the public and safeguard the heritage and history linked to my father's beginning."

These objects were either gifts or purchases, according to the relatives.

"I want to thank Professor Weiss's family for practically showing their deep love for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these items and crucially securing their return to their proper homeland," stated the tourism minister.

The minister added that the artefacts would soon be available to the public for study and scholarly work, terming the decision a milestone in safeguarding the nation's national treasures.

"Initiatives persist to bring back historical objects that are held in the hands of individuals and organizations around the planet," the minister said.

In the era of colonialism in the African continent, thousands of historical artefacts were taken.

The demand by African countries for the restoration of stolen artefacts has been responded to by a degree of success in the past few years - although some objects are just on temporary return.

In two years ago, the German government was the first country to repatriate a portion of the renowned Benin Bronzes to the West African nation in a bid to confront its "dark colonial history."

Related Topics

• Historical Restoration Initiatives in the Continent
• The Significance of Colonial Past on Modern African Culture
• International Movements for the Return of Stolen Items