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Exactly 12 ancient artefacts were officially restored to Ethiopia after remaining by a family in Germany for more than 100 years.

These artefacts, originally collected in the 1920s by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the research center at Addis Ababa University.

This collection featured royal crowns, shields and artistic works, each regarded as historically important in the country.

"These artefacts still stand as a symbol of the enduring and amicable ties between Germany and Ethiopia," remarked Ferdinand von Weyhe, the representative to the East African country.

Dr. Ramon Wyss, whose father was delivered during the family's service in Ethiopia, presented the objects at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He explained that the family's goal to restore the items was to "share their splendor with the audience and maintain the heritage and history connected to my father's origin."

The artefacts were either considered gifts or buys, based on the family.

"We would like to thank Professor Weiss's family for actively showing their sincere love for Ethiopia by diligently maintaining these items and crucially ensuring their homecoming to their rightful country," commented the tourism minister.

The minister added that the pieces would shortly be opened to the public for study and scholarly work, terming the move a landmark in preserving the nation's national treasures.

"Efforts will continue to bring back ancient items that are found in the hands of collectors and organizations all over the planet," the minister said.

During colonial rule in the African continent, thousands of traditional artefacts were looted.

The request by African countries for the repatriation of taken objects has been answered with certain success in lately - even if several artefacts are only on loan.

In two years ago, Germany was the first country to give back some of the well-known historical items to Nigeria in an attempt to deal with its "dark past."

Connected Subjects

• Historical Restoration Efforts in Africa
• The Effect of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• International Movements for the Return of Looted Artefacts