Ethiopia Welcomes Home Historic Artefacts After a Century in Germany

Ethiopia has officially received a collection of historic treasures that had been in Germany for more than 100 years. Twelve culturally significant artefacts—including crowns, shields, and traditional paintings—were formally handed over to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University on Wednesday.

The pieces were originally gathered in the 1920s by Franz Weiss, Germany’s diplomatic representative to Ethiopia at the time, and his wife Hedwig. Their family preserved the artefacts for generations before deciding they should return to their country of origin.

Germany’s current envoy to Ethiopia, Ferdinand von Weyhe, described the artefacts as lasting symbols of the “long-standing and friendly relationship” between the two nations.

A Family’s Legacy Returned

The items were presented by Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born in Ethiopia during the Weiss family’s diplomatic posting. Wyss explained that returning the artefacts was driven by a desire to honor that personal history and allow Ethiopians—especially scholars and the public—to access pieces of their cultural heritage.

Ethiopia’s Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa, who attended the ceremony, expressed profound gratitude:

“I would like to thank the Weiss family for preserving these treasures so carefully and ensuring their return to their rightful homeland.”

She announced that the collection will soon be made available for public viewing, academic research, and cultural study, calling the handover a major milestone for Ethiopia’s heritage preservation efforts.

Part of a Larger Effort to Restore Africa’s Heritage

The Weiss family says the artefacts were obtained legally—either gifts or purchases at the time—but officials emphasized that the return still holds great importance in restoring pieces of Ethiopia’s past.

Ethiopia continues to advocate for the repatriation of cultural items taken abroad over the past century. Many African nations lost priceless artefacts through colonial plunder, and only recently have some Western institutions begun releasing them.

Germany has taken notable steps in this direction. In 2022, it became the first country to return several of the renowned Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, acknowledging the injustices of its colonial history.

Ethiopia hopes this latest return will build momentum.

“Efforts will continue to bring home ancient artefacts held by individuals and institutions across the world,” Minister Selamawit said.