In a poignant act of cultural restitution, Côte d’Ivoire has welcomed back the Djidji Ayôkwé talking drum, a sacred artefact taken by French colonial forces more than a hundred years ago. The drum, which holds profound historical and cultural significance for the Ebrié people, arrived in Abidjan on 13 March 2026, marking a monumental step in the ongoing dialogue surrounding colonial artefacts and their rightful place in their countries of origin.
A Drum of Many Voices
The Djidji Ayôkwé, an impressive four-metre-long drum weighing 430 kilograms, was confiscated by French colonial administrators in 1916 following a local resistance against forced labour. Designed to mimic human speech, talking drums like the Djidji Ayôkwé have played crucial roles in communication across distances, conveying messages of both joy and warning. For the Ebrié people, who inhabit the area around the lagoon that bears their name, the drum has long been a symbol of resilience and cultural identity.
Upon its arrival at Port Bouët airport, the atmosphere was electric. Local dancers performed traditional routines in celebration, honouring the drum’s return as a reconnection with their ancestors. Aboussou Guy Mobio, chief of the Adjamé-Bingerville community, expressed his heartfelt sentiments, 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… Receiving this sacred instrument is a relief, but it is also another form of connection with our ancestors who were very close to this instrument.”
A Promised Return
The road to this historic moment was paved with years of discussions and negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron had promised the drum’s return back in 2021, yet it took four years for the French parliament to ratify the decision. Speaking at the restitution ceremony, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Françoise Remarck, remarked, “I feel deep emotion. We are indeed experiencing a moment of justice and remembrance.” This sentiment resonated deeply within the crowd, as the drum’s return signifies not just the reclamation of an object, but the reclamation of history itself.
In her address, Remarck directed her words to the drum, stating, “Djidji Ayôkwé, today your return is a message for our youth who have chosen to reclaim their history… a symbol of social cohesion, peace, and dialogue.” Her words encapsulated the drum’s dual role as a cultural artefact and a beacon of hope for future generations.
Looking Forward
As the wooden crate containing the Djidji Ayôkwé was unloaded with care, plans were already underway for its permanent exhibition at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire. A further ceremony is anticipated in April to officially inaugurate this new chapter for the drum. In preparation for its public display, UNESCO has allocated $100,000 (£75,400) for research and training, underscoring the importance of this artefact not just to Côte d’Ivoire, but to the global narrative on cultural heritage.
Sylvie Memel Kassi, a prominent advocate for the arts and culture, emphasised that the drum’s return could pave the way for further restitution efforts. “We are studying eight other objects,” she mentioned, hinting at a broader movement towards acknowledging and rectifying colonial injustices through the return of significant cultural items.
Why it Matters
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is more than a ceremonial gesture; it represents a critical step in the healing process for nations grappling with the legacies of colonialism. As Côte d’Ivoire reclaims this sacred drum, it sends a powerful message to former colonial powers about the importance of addressing historical wrongs. The drum serves not only as a reminder of cultural resilience but also as a rallying point for future dialogues on restitution and reconciliation. In a world increasingly aware of its colonial past, the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé marks a significant milestone in the fight for cultural justice and identity.