In a landmark event for cultural restitution, France has returned the sacred Djidji Ayôkwé talking drum to Côte d’Ivoire, a significant step in the ongoing dialogue surrounding colonial-era artefacts. The drum, looted by French colonial powers in 1916, arrived at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport in Abidjan on 13 March, marking a moment of both historical significance and emotional resonance for the Ivorian people.
A Historic Repatriation
The Djidji Ayôkwé, an hourglass-shaped talking drum measuring four metres and weighing 430 kilograms, was handed over to Ivorian officials in Paris earlier this month after being displayed at the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum. This ceremonial return signals not only the restitution of a valuable cultural artefact but also a wider recognition of the impact of colonialism on former French colonies.
Aboussou Guy Mobio, the leader of the Adjamé-Bingerville community, expressed profound sentiments during the ceremony. “After a long stay away from this land, it is returning to its own people. It is an honour for us and a relief to welcome it,” he stated. Mobio highlighted the drum’s role as a critical connection to the ancestors of the Ebrié people, for whom it served as a symbol of resilience and communication.
Talking drums like the Djidji Ayôkwé were historically used to convey messages across vast distances, announcing significant events such as deaths and celebrations, as well as warning communities of impending dangers. The drum was seized following a resistance against forced labour in 1916, a grim reminder of the colonial repression faced by the Ivorian people.
Cultural Significance and Emotional Resonance
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé was met with jubilant celebrations. Françoise Remarck, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Culture and Francophonie, described the moment as “a moment of justice and remembrance.” She acknowledged the efforts of President Emmanuel Macron, who pledged to return the drum in 2021, and thanked President Alassane Ouattara for facilitating this historic event.
In her address, Remarck spoke directly to the drum, stating, “Your return is a message for our youth who have chosen to reclaim their history, and for the communities… a symbol of social cohesion, peace and dialogue.” The event was enhanced by traditional performances, including the vibrant tchaman dance, as the drum was ceremonially removed from its crate.
Looking to the Future
Plans are already underway for the drum’s permanent display at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, with an official inauguration expected in April. This initiative has garnered support from UNESCO, which has allocated $100,000 for research and training efforts to prepare the museum for the influx of visitors eager to witness this important cultural artefact.
Sylvie Memel Kassi, a former director of the museum and founder of the TAPA Foundation for Arts and Culture, noted that the drum’s return could pave the way for further restitutions. “We are studying eight other objects,” Kassi revealed, hinting at ongoing negotiations between Ivorian and French authorities regarding additional cultural treasures.
Why it Matters
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is more than just a ceremonial handover; it represents a pivotal moment in the broader narrative of post-colonial reconciliation. This act of restitution not only acknowledges the historical injustices faced by the Ivorian people but also reinforces the importance of cultural heritage in shaping national identity. As countries across the globe grapple with the legacy of colonialism, the repatriation of artefacts like the Djidji Ayôkwé serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring ties between nations and the communities they once colonised.
