After more than a hundred years, twelve Ethiopian historical artifacts have finally returned to their country of origin. It is a precious set of crowns, shields and paintings, kept for generations by a German family who had acquired them in the 1920s, during the diplomatic mission of Franz Weiss, then German envoy to Ethiopia. The official delivery took place at the Institute of Ethiopian Studies of Addis Ababa University, in the presence of institutional and academic representatives.
The role of the Weiss family
The one who returned the objects was Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during that diplomatic assignment. Wyss explained how the choice to bring the finds back to Ethiopia was born from the desire to share their value with the public and to protect the cultural history linked to family events. The family clarified that the objects were obtained as gifts or through purchases, and that their transfer represents a gesture of responsibility and recognition towards the country that originated them.
A sign of friendship between the two countries
The restitution was hailed by the Ethiopian government as a significant moment. The German representative in Ethiopia, Ferdinand von Weyhe, called the artifacts a symbol of “long and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia“. A bond that today is strengthened through the restitution of goods that have a strong cultural and identity weight. For the Minister of Tourism Selamawit Kassa, the Weiss family’s gesture demonstrates a “deep affection for Ethiopia” and an important sensitivity towards heritage protection issues.
The findings will be made available to the academic community
The Ethiopian government announced that the finds will be made available to the academic community and the public for research, exhibitions and studies. The initiative is part of a broader process by the country to recover cultural assets lost abroad during the colonial period or through exchanges that are not always transparent. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to continue on this path, encouraging other institutions and private individuals to return objects of historical value.
The case is part of a global trend that sees many African nations claiming ownership of artifacts stolen during the colonial era. Germany itself, in 2022, was the first country to return part of the famous Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, in an attempt to confront its colonial past. The return of the Ethiopian artefacts therefore represents another step in the recognition and protection of African cultural memories.
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