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Around 12 ancient items have been officially given back to the Ethiopian nation following remaining by a household from Germany for in excess of a century.

The artefacts, first acquired in the 1920's by Germany's representative to the Ethiopian empire a German envoy and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on midweek to the research center at the capital's university.

The set contained headpieces, armor and canvases, each viewed as historically important in the country.

"These artefacts still represent a symbol of the lasting and amicable connection between Germany and Ethiopia," said Germany's envoy, the ambassador to Ethiopia.

Professor a professor, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, delivered the items at a gathering joined by Tourism Minister the tourism official.

He said that the household's intention to give back the artefacts was to "share their beauty with the audience and preserve the heritage and past tied to my parent's birth."

The items were either considered gifts or purchases, according to the family.

"I would like to thank the Weiss relatives for concretely expressing their profound affection for the nation by meticulously safeguarding these treasures and crucially ensuring their return to their rightful nation," stated the tourism minister.

The minister noted that the items would in the near future be opened to the people for study and academic study, describing the move a significant step in protecting Ethiopia's national treasures.

"Efforts persist to repatriate historical objects that are located in the custody of individuals and entities around the world," she affirmed.

During colonialism in Africa, many of historical artefacts were looted.

This request by nations in Africa for the repatriation of stolen objects has been met with a degree of success in the past few years - although several items are only on temporary return.

Back in two years ago, Germany was the pioneering nation to repatriate a portion of the famous Benin Bronzes to Nigeria as part of an effort to address its "troubled legacy."

Related Themes

• Cultural Restoration Efforts in Africa
• The Impact of Imperial Past on Modern Ethiopian Heritage
• International Campaigns for the Return of Stolen Treasures