12 valuable Ethiopian artifacts, originally acquired during the 1920s, have been officially returned to their country of origin.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Tourism, Selamawit Kassa, who posted the news, celebrating the successful repatriation effort.

The artifacts were formally handed over by Professor Ramon Weiss to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies and Research at Addis Ababa University. Professor Weiss's grandfather, who served as the German envoy in Addis Ababa a century ago, had collected the items through a combination of gifts and purchases.

“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,” stated Minister Selamawit Kassa.

The returned collection includes several historically significant and precious items, such as

• Crowns
• Shields
• A Sword and a Bandolier (or cartridge belt)
• Paintings
• Gifts originally presented by Ras Tafari Makonnen (later Emperor Haile Selassie I)

These repatriated pieces are a vital addition to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies and Research, providing invaluable resources for academic study and scholarly research. The minister concluded by affirming that the government’s efforts to secure the return of ancient Ethiopian historical artifacts held by private individuals and institutions across the globe will continue unabated.