Returned artefacts to strengthen Ethiopia’s heritage, research, and tourism – Minister

Addis Ababa, November 19, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa said Wednesday that the return of Ethiopian artefacts from abroad offers a unique opportunity to preserve the country’s cultural heritage, support academic research, and attract both domestic and international visitors.

Twelve Ethiopian artefacts from the 1920s were returned to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies during a formal handover at Ras Makonnen Hall, Addis Ababa University, Wednesday. The collection, received by Dr. Yohannes Adigeh, Director of the Institute, includes crowns, decorated shields, a sword, paintings, and gifts once presented by Regent Ras Tafari Mekonnen, later Emperor Haile Selassie.

The ceremony was attended by Minister Selamawit Kassa, German Embassy officials, members of the Society of Friends of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (SOFIS), and other dignitaries.

During the handover, Minister Selamawit highlighted that the returned items will enrich the Institute’s collection, serve as valuable resources for researchers, and become important attractions for tourists. She noted that these restitutions complement previously returned treasures, including items looted from Megiddo in 1868 and repatriated through AFROMET, the Association for the Return of the Megiddo Ethiopian Treasures.

The Minister expressed her gratitude to Professor Ramon Weiss and his niece Alice Weiss for preserving the artefacts and returning them to their country of origin. She said their initiative demonstrates a deep respect for Ethiopia’s history and culture. “These artefacts offer a unique glimpse into Ethiopian arts and craftsmanship of the 1920s,” she said.

She also underlined the significance of the event in the context of Addis Ababa University’s 75th Diamond Jubilee, noting that the Institute of Ethiopian Studies, through its Centre for Museum Studies, is dedicated to collecting, managing, and displaying artefacts representing Ethiopia’s diverse ethno-linguistic communities.

The handover reinforces ongoing efforts to draft policies on the management, study, and preservation of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage for the unity, diversity, and solidarity of its people.

In addition, Minister Selamawit highlighted the exhibition of 51 rare photographs, taken by Franz and Hedwig Weiss, which will open Thursday at the Goethe-Institut. She said the images provide a unique visual record of Ethiopian life in the 1920s and will complement the artefacts in educating the public and promoting tourism.

The Minister concluded by emphasizing Ethiopia’s continued commitment to retrieving cultural heritage items held abroad. “Our efforts will continue to ensure that ancient Ethiopian heritage items, held in private hands and institutions around the world, are brought back home,” she said.

By Mesafint Brlie