In a landmark event for cultural restitution, France has returned the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum, to Côte d’Ivoire over a century after it was looted by colonial authorities. The ceremonial handover took place in Paris earlier this month, culminating in the drum’s arrival at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport in Abidjan on 13 March 2026. This gesture marks a significant step in addressing the historical injustices of colonialism and restoring cultural heritage to its rightful owners.
A Symbol of Resistance and Heritage
The Djidji Ayôkwé is more than just an artefact; it is a powerful symbol of the Ebrié people’s heritage and resistance. Measuring four metres in length and weighing 430 kilograms, this hourglass-shaped drum was historically used to communicate messages across vast distances, including announcements of deaths and celebrations. Its seizure in 1916 by French colonial officials followed local resistance against forced labour, and since then, it has served as a poignant reminder of the cultural dislocation experienced by the Ivorian people.
Aboussou Guy Mobio, the chief of the Adjamé-Bingerville community, expressed profound emotion at the drum’s return, stating, “After a long stay away from this land, it is returning to its own people… This is the missing piece of the puzzle that is returning today.” The drum’s return represents not only a reclamation of lost heritage but also a reconnection with ancestors who held the instrument in reverence.
A Long Journey to Restitution
The road to repatriation has been lengthy. In 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron pledged to return the Djidji Ayôkwé, but it took four years of negotiations before the French parliament ratified the decision. Françoise Remarck, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Culture, described the occasion as “a moment of justice and remembrance,” acknowledging both Macron and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara for their roles in this historic event.
During the ceremony, she addressed the drum directly, emphasising its significance as a beacon for youth and communities to reclaim their history. “Djidji Ayôkwé, today your return is a message for our youth… a symbol of social cohesion, peace and dialogue,” she said, highlighting the drum’s broader cultural implications.
Celebrations and Future Exhibitions
The arrival of the Djidji Ayôkwé was celebrated with traditional dances and ceremonies, marking a joyful homecoming for the sacred artefact. Plans are underway for a permanent exhibition at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, with UNESCO providing financial support for research and training at the museum.
Sylvie Memel Kassi, a former director of the museum, noted that the successful return of the drum could pave the way for further restitutions. “We are studying eight other objects,” she stated, indicating ongoing discussions between Ivorian and French authorities regarding additional artefacts taken during colonial times.
Why it Matters
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is a significant milestone in the global movement towards cultural restitution, illustrating a growing recognition of the impacts of colonialism on indigenous cultures. This event not only restores a vital piece of Ivorian heritage but also sets a precedent for future repatriations, fostering dialogue and reconciliation between former colonial powers and their erstwhile colonies. As nations confront their colonial legacies, the repatriation of artefacts like the Djidji Ayôkwé serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural heritage in shaping identity and community cohesion.
