A significant cultural milestone was reached this month as Côte d’Ivoire welcomed back the sacred Djidji Ayôkwé talking drum, an artefact taken by French colonial forces over a century ago. The return, which took place during an emotional ceremony in Abidjan, represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue regarding the restitution of colonial artefacts to their countries of origin.
A Historic Repatriation Ceremony
On the morning of 13 March 2026, the Djidji Ayôkwé arrived at Port Bouët Airport in Abidjan, marking the culmination of years of advocacy and diplomatic negotiations. French authorities had transferred the drum to Ivorian representatives in Paris earlier that month, following its removal from the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum. Weighing 430 kg and measuring 4 metres in length, the drum is not only a musical instrument but also a vital symbol of cultural heritage for the Ebrié people of Côte d’Ivoire.
During the ceremony, Aboussou Guy Mobio, chief of the Adjamé-Bingerville community, expressed the deep significance of the drum’s return. “After a long stay away from this land, it is returning to its own people. This is the missing piece of the puzzle, a relief to welcome it,” Mobio stated. He emphasised the drum’s connection to the ancestors and its role in the social and political fabric of the community.
The Drum’s Cultural Significance
The Djidji Ayôkwé served as much more than a musical instrument; it was integral to communication within the Ebrié community. Historically, the drum was employed to relay messages across vast distances, signalling important events such as deaths or celebrations, and in some instances, alerting villages to impending danger. Its confiscation in 1916 followed the community’s resistance to forced labour, highlighting the drum’s role as a symbol of defiance against colonial oppression.
Françoise Remarck, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Culture and Francophonie, articulated the emotional weight of the occasion during her address. “We are indeed experiencing a moment of justice and remembrance,” she remarked, thanking both President Alassane Ouattara and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for facilitating the drum’s return. She viewed this event as a powerful message for youth in Côte d’Ivoire, encouraging them to reclaim their history and heritage.
Future of Cultural Restitution in Côte d’Ivoire
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is expected to inspire further discussions regarding the restitution of other cultural artefacts. Sylvie Memel Kassi, a prominent advocate for arts and culture in Côte d’Ivoire, revealed that discussions are already underway involving eight additional items of cultural significance. This momentum could lead to a broader reassessment of colonial-era acquisitions by French institutions.
In anticipation of the drum’s public display at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, preparations are in full swing. UNESCO has contributed $100,000 towards research and training to facilitate the exhibition, ensuring that the artefact is preserved and appreciated by future generations.
Why it Matters
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé stands as a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of cultural heritage and the need for restitution. This act not only restores a vital piece of Ivorian heritage but also reinforces the narrative of reconciliation between former colonial powers and their erstwhile colonies. As nations grapple with the legacies of colonialism, such gestures of goodwill and acknowledgment pave the way for a more equitable cultural landscape, allowing communities to reconnect with their histories and identities.
