France Returns Sacred Djidji Ayokwe Talking Drum To Ivory Coast After More Than A Century

 

France has formally returned the sacred Djidji Ayokwe “talking drum” to Ivory Coast, marking a significant step in the growing movement to repatriate cultural artefacts taken during the colonial era.

The drum, seized in 1916 by French colonial authorities from the Ebrié people, was handed over during an official ceremony at the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris on February 20. Measuring more than three metres in length and weighing approximately 430 kilograms, the monumental instrument once served as a powerful communication tool, transmitting messages across long distances within the Ebrié community.

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati presided over the ceremony alongside Ivory Coast’s Minister of Culture, Françoise Remarck. Speaking at the event, Remarck expressed deep emotion over the drum’s return, describing it as a powerful symbol finally coming home. She confirmed that the artefact will be permanently displayed in a new museum currently under construction in Abidjan.

The restitution reflects mounting international pressure on European nations to return cultural objects acquired during colonial rule. France has pledged to accelerate the repatriation of hundreds of artefacts to African countries through new legislation aimed at expanding the legal framework for returns.

French national museums collectively hold tens of thousands of objects obtained during the colonial period, many of which have been the subject of formal requests for restitution from countries including Algeria, Mali and Benin. In recent years, several European governments have begun returning selected artefacts as part of broader efforts to address historical injustices and strengthen ties with former colonies.

The return of the Djidji Ayokwe drum stands as both a cultural restoration and a symbolic gesture toward reconciliation.