Twelve historical artefacts have been formally returned to Ethiopia after being kept by a German family for more than 100 years.

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.

"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," said the tourism minister.

She added that the pieces would soon be opened to the public for research and academic study, terming the move a milestone in safeguarding Ethiopia's cultural heritage.

"Efforts will continue to bring back ancient artifacts that are found in the hands of individuals and institutions all over the world," she said.

During colonial rule in Africa, thousands of cultural artefacts were plundered.

The call by African countries for the return of looted items has been met with some success in recent years - though some items are only on loan.

In 2022, Germany was the first country to return some of the famous Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in a bid to deal with its "dark colonial history".