Addis Ababa, November 19, 2025 (FMC) — Twelve historical Ethiopian artefacts and a rich collection of photographs and films, long held by the family of Professor Ramon Weiss, are set to become publicly accessible for research and scholarly work, marking a milestone in preserving the country’s cultural heritage.
In his remarks at the handover ceremony at Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Ethiopian Studies, Professor Weiss reflected on his personal connection to the artefacts, which were originally collected by his grandparents during their stay in Ethiopia as part of the German diplomatic mission in the 1920s.
“I had a strong urge… these artefacts belong back in Ethiopia,” Weiss said, underlining the family’s desire to return the items to their place of origin.
The donation includes two crowns, decorated shields, a sword and belt, paintings, and photographs captured by Weiss’ grandparents, Fritz and Hedwig Weiss. Many of these items had been kept in the family for generations, and the photographs and films have been digitized to ensure public accessibility and long-term preservation.
Weiss emphasized that making the material available opens “new avenues for research” and allows scholars and the general public to engage with Ethiopia’s rich cultural history.
The professor also highlighted the collaborative effort required to realize the handover. He acknowledged the role of the Society of Friends of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (SOFIS), the German Embassy, and Ethiopian academics in facilitating the process, noting, “It takes 12 people to bring 12 artefacts.”
In addition to the artefacts, Weiss pointed to the accompanying historical materials, including diaries and memoirs of his grandmother, which have been digitized and will be freely accessible to researchers. A selection of photographs from the collection will be featured in an exhibition opening tomorrow at the Goethe-Institut in Addis Ababa, providing a glimpse of Ethiopian life, street scenes, cultural festivals, and royal events in the 1920s.
Professor Weiss described the initiative as part of a broader effort to contribute to the preservation and study of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage.
“This donation will become part of a wider archive accessible to scholars and the public,” he said, underscoring the educational and historical significance of the collection.
The handover ceremony drew Ethiopian government officials, ambassadors, and academics, all witnessing a rare occasion that bridges historical family legacies with public scholarship.