After More Than a Century, Twelve Ethiopian Artifacts Repatriated from Germany
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — In a significant act of cultural restoration, twelve historical Ethiopian artifacts, including intricately crafted crowns, shields, and paintings, have been formally returned to their homeland after spending over a hundred years in Germany.
The items were officially handed over to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (IES) at Addis Ababa University. They had been in the long-term possession of the family of Franz Weiss, who served as Germany’s envoy to Ethiopia in the 1920s, and his wife, Hedwig.
According to the family, the artifacts were originally collected during the Weisses’ posting in the country, either acquired as purchases or received as gifts.
The decision to repatriate the collection was driven by a personal connection to Ethiopia. Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born there during the family’s diplomatic service, explained the motivation behind the return.
The move was fueled by a desire to “share their beauty with the public and preserve the history connected to my father’s birth,” Professor Wyss stated.
The artifacts are now expected to be studied and displayed by the IES, allowing the Ethiopian public to reconnect with a piece of their national heritage that had been absent for generations.
About The Author
