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Exactly Twelve ancient objects were formally returned to the Ethiopian nation after remaining by a family in Germany for over a century.

The items, initially acquired in the 1920s by the German diplomat to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his spouse Hedwig, were transferred on midweek to the research center at the capital's university.

This set included crowns, protective shields and paintings, each considered as culturally significant in the nation.

"The treasures continue to stand as a symbol of the enduring and amicable ties between the German nation and the Ethiopian people," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, the envoy to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose parent was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, presented the artefacts at a event witnessed by the Minister of Tourism the tourism official.

He explained that the family's goal to give back the items was to "display their splendor with the audience and maintain the heritage and past linked to my father's birth."

The artefacts were either considered gifts or buys, as stated by the family.

"I would like to express gratitude to the Weiss household for practically showing their sincere love for the nation by carefully preserving these artifacts and vitally securing their homecoming to their rightful country," said the tourism minister.

The minister noted that the artefacts would soon be made accessible to the general audience for study and educational purposes, calling the move a milestone in safeguarding the nation's national treasures.

"Initiatives persist to bring back ancient artifacts that are located in the custody of collectors and institutions all over the world," the minister said.

In the era of imperial control in Africa, many of historical items were looted.

The demand by the continent's states for the restoration of looted items has been met with certain progress in recent years - though several objects are only on loan.

In two years ago, Germany was the first state to repatriate a portion of the well-known Benin Bronzes to the West African nation as part of an effort to confront its "complex colonial history."

Similar Subjects

• Historical Restoration Initiatives in the Continent
• The Significance of Imperial History on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• Global Campaigns for the Return of Looted Artefacts