The artefacts, originally collected in the 1920s by Germany's then-envoy to Ethiopia Franz Weiss and his wife Hedwig, were handed over on Wednesday to the Institute of Ethiopian Studies at Addis Ababa University. The collection included crowns, shields and paintings, all considered culturally and historically significant in Ethiopia. "The artefacts still stand as a symbol of the long-standing and friendly relationship between Germany and Ethiopia," said Ferdinand von Weyhe, Germany's envoy to Ethiopia.

Professor Ramon Wyss, whose father was born during the family's diplomatic posting in Ethiopia, handed over the items at a ceremony attended by Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa. He said the family's intention to return the artefacts was to "share their beauty with the public and preserve the culture and history connected to my father's birth". The items were either gifts or purchases, according to the family. (BBC)