Twelve historical artefacts held by a German family for more than a century have been formally returned to Ethiopia, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts 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. On Wednesday, they were officially handed over to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
Germany’s current envoy to Ethiopia, Ferdinand von Weyhe, said the artefacts symbolised the “long-standing and friendly relationship” between the two countries.
The handover was led by Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family’s diplomatic posting in Ethiopia. Speaking at the ceremony, attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa, he said the family’s intention was to “share their beauty with the public and preserve the culture and history connected to my father’s birth.” The family maintains that the artefacts were either gifts or purchases.
Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa expressed gratitude to the family for preserving the items with care. “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 added that the artefacts would soon be available to the public for academic research, describing the return as a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia’s cultural heritage.
She also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to recovering artefacts held in private and institutional collections worldwide.
Across Africa, countries have increasingly pushed for the return of cultural items taken during colonial rule. While progress has been gradual, some nations have seen notable breakthroughs. In 2022, Germany became the first country to repatriate some of the prized Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as part of efforts to confront its “dark colonial history.”
The return of these Ethiopian artefacts adds to the growing momentum for cultural restitution on the continent.
Melissa Enoch
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