Ethiopia Receives Twelve Historical Artifacts from Germany, Marking a New Milestone in the Heritage Preservation, Academic Research and Cultural Tourism
Published on
November 21, 2025
On November 19, 2025, Ethiopia celebrated the return of 12 historical artifacts from Germany after having been kept in German collections for decades. The artifacts were formally handed over to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University in a ceremony that was attended by high-ranking Ethiopian and German officials. This marks one important step in ongoing efforts to reclaim Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and underscores the growing importance of international collaboration in heritage preservation.
The artifacts, which include shields, two ceremonial crowns, and paintings—some presented by Regent Tafari Makonnen—are highly important to the history of Ethiopia. The items had been donated by Professor Ramon Wyss and his niece, Alice Wise, descendants of Fritz Weiss, Germany’s envoy to Ethiopia in the 1920s, as part of a repatriation process initiated in 2016. Such returns are important for reinforcing Ethiopia’s cultural identity and historical narrative.
A Symbolic Ceremony for Ethiopia-Germany Relations
The handover ceremony was held at Ras Makonnen Hall and was attended by key figures such as Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa, AAU President Samuel Kifle, and Germany’s chargé d’affaires Ferdinand von Weyhe. The repatriation of these items coincides with the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Germany, highlighting the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
During the ceremony, Minister Selamawit Kassa emphasized the significance of the artifacts in furthering Ethiopia’s efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. She noted that the return of these items would enhance academic research at Addis Ababa University, where they will be studied by scholars and used to promote further understanding of Ethiopia’s rich cultural history. The repatriation also has the potential to boost cultural tourism in Ethiopia, attracting visitors interested in learning more about the country’s artistic traditions and historical narratives.
The Role of the Goethe Institute and Cultural Preservation
In addition to the repatriation of the artifacts, the Goethe Institut in Ethiopia will stage an exhibition of 51 rare photographs taken by Fritz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, further enriching the cultural exchange between Ethiopia and Germany. These photographs, which offer a unique visual insight into the life and times of Ethiopia in the early 20th century, will complement the returned artifacts and provide a deeper understanding of the historical context in which they were created.
The exhibition is expected to serve as a bridge between Ethiopia’s past and present, allowing visitors to explore both the artifacts and the photographic history captured by Weiss. This initiative is a testament to the role of cultural institutions like the Goethe Institut in promoting international dialogue through art and history, fostering a better understanding of shared cultural heritage.
A Broader Effort in Heritage Repatriation
The return of the 12 artifacts is part of a broader movement to repatriate historical items taken during the colonial era and beyond. Ethiopia has been actively pursuing the return of important cultural objects, including those connected to the 1868 Maqdala expedition, during which numerous Ethiopian treasures were taken to Britain. These efforts are critical not only for the restoration of Ethiopia’s cultural legacy but also for building stronger international relationships based on respect for cultural sovereignty and the shared responsibility of preserving heritage.
Selamawit Kassa noted that these repatriations play an important role in fostering global awareness of Ethiopia’s heritage and ensuring that future generations can appreciate the country’s cultural treasures. Through these efforts, Ethiopia hopes to encourage other nations to consider the importance of cultural restitution, thereby fostering more cooperation between countries in the field of heritage preservation.
Boosting Cultural Tourism and Academic Research
The return of these artifacts has a profound impact on both tourism and academic research in Ethiopia. The Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University will likely use the items to expand its research into Ethiopia’s cultural history and artistic traditions, providing invaluable resources for scholars, researchers, and students.
For cultural tourism, the return of these important artifacts is a milestone in promoting Ethiopia as a key destination for those interested in African art and history. Ethiopia’s cultural offerings, from the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela to the magnificent ruins of Aksum, combined with artifacts like these, are poised to attract international tourists eager to explore the depth and diversity of Ethiopia’s ancient and modern cultural landscapes.
As Ethiopia strengthens its cultural tourism sector, the inclusion of these repatriated objects in national museums and exhibitions is expected to increase visitor numbers, particularly among those interested in history, art, and archaeology. With Ethiopia’s rich heritage finally being restored, the country can look forward to becoming a more prominent cultural hub in Africa and the world.
The Global Significance of Cultural Restitution
The repatriation of these artifacts is a symbolic step forward in the ongoing movement for the return of cultural objects to their rightful owners. It highlights the growing momentum in global efforts to address the legacy of colonial looting and the importance of returning stolen or removed cultural artifacts to their countries of origin. As cultural restitution continues to be a focal point in international dialogue, Ethiopia’s efforts stand as a beacon for other nations looking to reclaim their cultural heritage.
The successful repatriation of these artifacts also sets an example for other countries with similar disputes over the return of cultural treasures. As global awareness and pressure increase, it is expected that more countries will follow Ethiopia’s example in seeking the return of their cultural property, leading to more equitable and respectful cultural exchanges around the world.
A New Chapter for Ethiopia’s Cultural Heritage
The repatriation of these 12 historical artifacts from Germany to Ethiopia marks a high moment in the nation’s cultural history. The return of these treasures will add not only to heritage preservation efforts but also to academic research and cultural tourism. As Ethiopia further builds on this success, the country is bound to realize an increase in tourist interest, especially among those tourists interested in exploring Ethiopia’s unique historical and cultural landscapes.
This event is a milestone in the journey of restoration of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, and the combined efforts by Ethiopia and Germany provide the strongest example to date of what can be achieved between nations for the protection and preservation of legacies around the world. As Ethiopia continues to reclaim its cultural artifacts and celebrate its heritage, the country stands at an edge where it is likely to become the leading destination for cultural tourism, attracting travelers from all over who come prepared to engage with its deep-rooted history and diverse traditions.
