Ethiopia Welcomes Historic Artefacts Returned from Germany

Published: 20 November 2025 Thursday . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Ethiopia has officially received a remarkable collection of historical artefacts that had been kept in Germany for more than a century, marking a symbolic and emotional moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to recover cultural treasures taken abroad during the turbulent years of colonial expansion and foreign influence across Africa. The twelve artefacts, deeply rooted in Ethiopia’s artistic, political and religious history, were handed over on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University in a ceremony filled with symbolism, gratitude and renewed diplomatic ties.

The artefacts, which include intricately crafted crowns, shields adorned with traditional patterns, and paintings of significant cultural resonance, were taken to Germany in the 1920s by the country’s then-envoy to Ethiopia, Franz Weiss, and his wife Hedwig, who lived in Ethiopia during an important period of early twentieth-century diplomacy. Their presence in Ethiopia coincided with a time when European diplomats, explorers and scholars were collecting African artefacts—some ethically obtained, others not—reflecting the cultural imbalances and unequal power dynamics that characterised the era.

Germany’s current envoy to Ethiopia, Ferdinand von Weyhe, described the formal return as more than a diplomatic gesture. Speaking at the handover ceremony, he said the pieces “still stand as a symbol of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia.” His remarks captured the spirit of reconciliation and cultural respect that underlined the moment, particularly as global discussions about the restitution of African cultural heritage continue to gain momentum.

The items were returned by Professor Ramon Wyss, whose personal connection to Ethiopia extends back to his father’s birth during the Weiss family’s residence in the country. Addressing the audience, Wyss expressed the family’s belief that the artefacts should not remain in private hands, emphasising the importance of restoring them to the nation where their cultural meaning is most deeply rooted. He explained that the family’s intention was not only to honour Ethiopia’s history but also to “share their beauty with the public and preserve the culture and history connected to my father’s birth.” His comments reflected a sense of personal responsibility and respect for Ethiopia’s heritage that had guided the family’s decision.

Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa welcomed the return with heartfelt appreciation, noting that the gesture demonstrated genuine affection for the country and its people. She emphasised that the items had been carefully preserved by the Weiss family for decades, allowing them to be returned in exceptional condition. “I would like to thank Professor Weiss’s family for practically expressing their profound love for Ethiopia by meticulously preserving these artifacts and crucially ensuring their return to their rightful homeland,” she said.

She added that the artefacts would soon be made available to the Ethiopian public through exhibitions, research access and academic study, describing the handover as a milestone in the national effort to restore and safeguard the country’s heritage. The minister noted that the return of these pieces was part of a broader movement to reclaim historical artefacts from around the world that are vital to understanding Ethiopia’s past, and she pledged continued efforts to bring back additional items from both private collectors and institutions abroad.

Many of these objects were originally acquired by Europeans during years marked by political instability, conflict, diplomatic exchanges and unequal power dynamics. While some were indeed purchased or given as gifts—an important point emphasised by the Weiss family—others taken from Ethiopia and other African nations were forcibly seized or removed under duress during the colonial period. This complex legacy has shaped recent global debates about restitution, prompting a re-evaluation of how artefacts should be interpreted, displayed and owned in the 21st century.

Across Africa, the call for the return of cultural property looted or taken under dubious circumstances has grown louder in recent years, driven by governments, academics, activists and diaspora communities. These efforts have begun to yield success, with several European nations acknowledging the injustices committed during colonial expansion and agreeing to return significant collections. Yet obstacles remain, particularly in countries where national museums and private collectors hold vast numbers of African artefacts dating back several centuries.

Germany has been among the leading nations in addressing this historical imbalance, taking steps to return artefacts and openly confront what it has acknowledged as a “dark colonial history.” In 2022, it became the first country to return a portion of the famed Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, a move widely praised as a turning point in the global restitution debate. That action set an example for other European countries, although many institutions still resist full repatriation, citing conservation concerns or claiming to be the rightful custodians of global heritage.

The return of the Ethiopian artefacts represents another meaningful chapter in this ongoing reconciliation process. For Ethiopia, it is not only an act of cultural restoration but also an affirmation of national identity, pride and continuity. Each artefact, whether a ceremonial crown or a war shield, carries with it a story that contributes to Ethiopia’s enduring narrative as one of Africa’s oldest and most influential civilizations—one that maintained sovereignty during much of the colonial era and possesses a long tradition of artistic, spiritual and political expression.

The items will now be catalogued, preserved and eventually put on public display at the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, allowing scholars, students and citizens to engage with pieces of their history long kept beyond their borders. This return also holds symbolic power for young Ethiopians who are increasingly seeking to reclaim and reinterpret their past. By making these artefacts accessible, Ethiopia strengthens its cultural institutions and ensures that future generations can learn from and appreciate them.

Ethiopia’s cultural restitution efforts extend far beyond this single collection. Over the past two decades, the country has been actively involved in global campaigns to repatriate manuscripts, ceremonial objects, royal regalia, and religious icons held in museums and private hands around the world. Many of these items were taken during the 19th century following conflicts such as the British expedition to Maqdala in 1868, which resulted in the removal of thousands of manuscripts, crowns, tabots and other valuable items.

In recent years, Ethiopia has successfully negotiated the return of several important items, including sacred tabots, ancient manuscripts, and prayer books, some of which had been held in British and European institutions for well over a century. Each return has been celebrated as a moment of healing, reinforcing Ethiopia’s determination to reclaim its dispersed heritage.

The return of the Weiss artefacts is therefore not an isolated event but part of a larger puzzle—one that Ethiopia continues to piece together through diplomacy, research, and international cooperation. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to identifying and retrieving items held both publicly and privately across the globe. Minister Selamawit Kassa’s remarks underscored this ongoing mission, noting that efforts “will continue to bring back ancient artefacts that are found in the hands of individuals and institutions all over the world.”

Germany’s willingness to facilitate these returns, and the Weiss family’s decision to voluntarily hand over the artefacts, reflects shifting global attitudes about cultural ownership, restitution and ethical stewardship. Increasingly, international institutions recognise that meaningful cooperation, transparency and moral responsibility are essential in addressing historical injustices.

For Ethiopia, Wednesday’s ceremony was both a celebration and a reminder. It celebrated the return of priceless cultural objects, the goodwill of a foreign family with deep personal ties to the country, and the growing international recognition of Ethiopia’s cultural significance. At the same time, it reminded many of the tens of thousands of artefacts still held abroad, waiting to be rediscovered and reconnected with their homeland.

As the artefacts begin their new life back in Ethiopia, soon to be displayed and studied by scholars, artists and the public, they stand not only as relics of the past but as symbols of cultural resilience. Their return encourages deeper dialogue about history and heritage while reaffirming the enduring friendship between Germany and Ethiopia—a relationship now strengthened by an act of cultural restitution more than a century in the making.