In a landmark moment for cultural heritage and reconciliation, France has returned the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum looted over a century ago, to Côte d’Ivoire. The handover, which took place earlier this month in Paris, culminated in the artefact’s arrival at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport in Abidjan, marking a significant step in the ongoing dialogue about the restitution of colonial-era artefacts.
A Symbol of Cultural Identity
The Djidji Ayôkwé, a striking four-metre drum weighing 430 kilograms, carries profound cultural and political significance for the Ebrié people of Côte d’Ivoire. Historically, this talking drum served as a vital means of communication, conveying messages over long distances to announce births, deaths, and important community events. Its seizure by French colonial authorities in 1916 followed the local population’s resistance to forced labour, illustrating its role as a symbol of resilience against oppression.
During the restitution ceremony, Aboussou Guy Mobio, the chief of the Adjamé-Bingerville community, expressed the emotional weight of the drum’s return. “After a long stay away from this land, it is returning to its own people, and it is an honour for us and a relief to welcome it,” he stated. Mobio highlighted the drum’s significance as a connection to ancestral heritage, underscoring the cultural revival it represents for Ivorian society.
A Long Journey to Repatriation
French President Emmanuel Macron had pledged the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé in 2021, but the process of repatriation took four years of negotiations and parliamentary ratifications. Françoise Remarck, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Culture and Francophonie, remarked on the emotional gravity of the occasion. “We are indeed experiencing a moment of justice and remembrance,” she noted, thanking both Macron and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara for their roles in this historic day.
Remarck further addressed the drum directly, stating, “Djidji Ayôkwé, today your return is a message for our youth who have chosen to reclaim their history.” This sentiment reflects a broader movement within Africa to reclaim cultural heritage, which has been lost or appropriated throughout the colonial era.
Celebrations and Future Plans
As the drum was ceremoniously removed from its crate, traditional dancers performed the tchaman dance, celebrating the return of an important cultural artefact. Plans are already underway for a permanent exhibition of the Djidji Ayôkwé at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for April. UNESCO has pledged $100,000 (£75,400) to facilitate research and training for this exhibition, indicating a commitment to preserving and promoting Ivorian heritage.
Sylvie Memel Kassi, a prominent figure in the arts and culture community, expressed hopes that the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé would lead to further discussions about the restitution of other cultural objects. “We are studying eight other objects,” she revealed, signalling a proactive approach by Ivorian and French authorities in addressing historical injustices.
Why it Matters
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is a pivotal moment not only for Côte d’Ivoire but also for the broader discourse on cultural restitution globally. It represents a growing recognition of the need to confront colonial legacies and restore cultural identity to nations that have been historically deprived of their heritage. This event could catalyse similar efforts elsewhere, fostering a renewed dialogue about the importance of repatriating artefacts and acknowledging the past. As nations strive for reconciliation with their histories, the return of such sacred objects serves as both a remedy and a reminder of shared humanity.
