In a gesture of goodwill, France has returned three ancient artifacts to Ethiopia in what French officials described as a “diplomatic handover.” The artifacts, which include two prehistoric stone axes and a stone cutter, date back between one and two million years and were handed over during a symbolic ceremony at the National Museum of Ethiopia last week.
The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, presented the artifacts to Ethiopia’s Tourism Minister, Selamawit Kassa, marking a significant cultural exchange between the two nations.
The artifacts were part of a larger collection of around 3,500 items that had been housed at the French embassy in Addis Ababa. According to French cultural advisor Laurent Serrano, the handover was not classified as “restitution” because the artifacts had never been part of France’s public collections.
“These artifacts, which date back between 1 and 2 million years, were found during excavations carried out over several decades at a site near the Ethiopian capital,” Serrano explained.
It remains unclear whether additional artifacts from the collection will be returned in the future.
During the ceremony, Barrot also announced a €7 million initiative titled “Sustainable Heritage in Ethiopia.” The project is aimed at preserving Ethiopia’s rich historical sites and includes the restoration of the iconic 12th- and 13th-century rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Lalibela churches have faced challenges in recent years, including damage during the Tigray conflict, when the area came under the control of rebel forces. The initiative reflects France’s commitment to safeguarding Ethiopia’s cultural treasures and supporting the country’s tourism industry.
While the handover was celebrated as a positive step, the broader issue of artifact restitution remains a contentious topic. In 2017, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to return African heritage items to their countries of origin. However, progress on this front has been slow, fueling frustration among African nations.
A bill addressing the return of colonial-era artifacts has yet to be debated in the French National Assembly, leaving many questions about the future of these treasures unresolved.
Ethiopia is often regarded as the cradle of humanity, with archaeological sites revealing artifacts and fossils that shed light on early human evolution. The returned stone tools further underscore the country’s prehistoric significance and the need to protect its cultural and historical heritage.
The return of the artifacts and the launch of the “Sustainable Heritage in Ethiopia” initiative highlight the strengthening of cultural ties between France and Ethiopia. However, the slow pace of broader restitution efforts serves as a reminder of the complex history between African nations and their former colonial powers.
For Ethiopia, the handover is a step toward reclaiming its heritage, though it also raises hopes for further returns of significant cultural artifacts in the future.
This development reflects the growing global conversation about the importance of preserving and returning cultural heritage, while also highlighting the challenges that remain in addressing colonial-era legacies.
National Museum of Ethiopia: A Gateway to Ethiopia’s Rich History The National Museum of Ethiopia, situated in the heart of the capital, Addis Ababa, near the Addis Ababa University’s graduate school, is a repository of the country’s cultural, historical, and archaeological treasures. It is also recognized for housing significant paleoanthropological exhibits. The museum was conceptualized in 1936 with an exhibition of ceremonial costumes donated by the Solomonic dynasty. It later grew out of the establishment of the Institute of Archaeology in 1958, an initiative intended to facilitate archaeological research in northern Ethiopia, primarily conducted by French archaeologists. The museum began showcasing artifacts from these expeditions, gradually diversifying its activities into conservation, documentation, and exhibition and research departments. The National Museum is famous for its archaeological finds, particularly early hominid fossils like “Lucy,” a partial skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis. More recent additions to the collection include “Selam,” another archaic fossil dating back to around 3.3 million years ago. The museum houses four main exhibition sections: The basement is dedicated to archaeological and paleoanthropological exhibits, where visitors can explore the evolution of humanity through the display of ancient hominid fossils. The first floor houses artifacts from ancient and medieval periods, along with regalia and memorabilia from Ethiopia’s past rulers, including Emperor Haile Selassie. The second floor offers a journey through African art history, showcasing pieces in chronological order from traditional to contemporary works. One of the most notable pieces is Afewerk Tekle’s “African Heritage”. This floor also presents a collection of secular arts and crafts, featuring traditional weapons, jewelry, utensils, clothing, and musical instruments. The third floor focuses on ethnographic displays, presenting an overview of the cultural richness and diversity of Ethiopia’s people. The National Museum of Ethiopia offers visitors an in-depth exploration into Ethiopia’s past, making it a crucial destination for anyone interested in understanding the country’s rich heritage and cultural diversity. #ኢትዮጵያ🇪🇹#ሙዝየም#አዲስአበባ💚💛❤#nationalmuseumofethiopia#ethiopia#ArchaeologicalMuseumofethiopia#lucy
Exploring the National Museum of Ethiopia proved to be an immersive journey through the country’s vibrant past and cultural heritage. Within its walls lies a treasure trove of historical artifacts, with highlights such as the renowned Lucy skeleton, a poignant reminder of our shared human origins. The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged, offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse into Ethiopia’s ancient societies, artistic achievements, and enduring traditions. Not only does the museum showcase fascinating relics, but its architecture also harmoniously fuses contemporary aesthetics with authentic Ethiopian motifs, enhancing the overall sensory experience. For enthusiasts of Ethiopian history and anthropology, a visit to this museum is an essential pilgrimage. #lucy#antropologi#ArchaeologicalMuseumofethiopia#ethiopia#nationalmuseumofethiopia#አዲስአበባ💚💛❤#ሙዝየም#ኢትዮጵያ🇪🇹#ArchaeologicalMuseum#ethiopianhistory
The national museum of Ethiopia is probably one of the standout museums in sub-Saharan African in terms of its numerous and priceless collections. Housed the famous 3.2 million year skeleton lucy, the museum keeps important paleontological, historical, and cultural artifacts. The museum is subdivided into four main sections. The underground or the basement section is reserved for the paleontological discoveries of mankind and some amazing extinct creatures. The ground floor focuses on the pre-Aksumite, Aksumite, Solomonic, and Gonderian periods. It displays an elaborate pre-1st-century-AD bronze oil lamp, a fascinating 4th-century-BC rock-hewn chair emblazoned with mythical ibexes, and ancient Sabaean inscriptions and lavish royal paraphernalia. The 1st floor vividly displays Ethiopian art ranging from early (possibly 14th-century) parchment to 20th-century canvas oil paintings by leading modern artists. Afewerk Tekle’s massive African Heritage is one of the more notable pieces. The painting which depicts the meeting of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba also found here. The 2nd floor contains a collection of secular arts and crafts, including traditional weapons, jewelry, utensils, clothing, and musical instruments. #ethiopian_tik_tok🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹#Ethiopianart#ethiopia#ethiopianhistory💚💛❤️#nationalmuseumofethiopia#lucy#aksumit#queenofsheba#AfewerkTekle
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