In a momentous act of cultural restitution, France has returned the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum looted over a century ago, to Côte d’Ivoire. The artefact, held in the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum in Paris, arrived at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport in Abidjan on March 13, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue surrounding colonial artefacts and their rightful ownership.
A Drum of Historical Significance
The Djidji Ayôkwé, an impressive four-metre high instrument weighing 430 kilograms, is not merely a musical object; it embodies the rich cultural and political heritage of the Ebrié people, a group indigenous to the region surrounding Abidjan. Traditionally used to convey messages across great distances, the drum played a crucial role in community life, announcing births, deaths, and significant events, while also serving as a warning system during times of danger.
Its confiscation by French colonial authorities in 1916 came after a period of resistance from local villagers against forced labour. The drum’s return is seen as a reconnection with ancestral roots, with Aboussou Guy Mobio, chief of the Adjamé-Bingerville community, expressing profound relief: “This is the missing piece of the puzzle that is returning today… a connection with our ancestors who were very close to this instrument.”
A Ceremony of Joy and Reflection
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé was celebrated with a vibrant ceremony attended by Ivorian officials and cultural representatives. As the wooden crate containing the drum was unloaded, a traditional cultural troupe performed the tchaman dance, embodying a spirit of joy and communal celebration.
Françoise Remarck, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Culture and Francophonie, spoke passionately about the significance of the occasion. “We are indeed experiencing a moment of justice and remembrance,” she stated, emphasising the emotional weight of the drum’s return. She addressed the drum directly, framing its arrival as a beacon for the youth, encouraging them to reclaim their history and fostering a spirit of social cohesion.
Looking Ahead: Future Restitutions
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is part of a broader movement towards the restitution of cultural artefacts taken during colonial times. French President Emmanuel Macron had pledged to return the drum in 2021, but it took four years of negotiations and legislative processes to finalise the decision. This successful repatriation has sparked discussions about the return of other artefacts, with Sylvie Memel Kassi, a prominent figure in the arts and culture sector, noting that studies are currently underway for eight additional objects.
In anticipation of the drum’s permanent installation at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, UNESCO has contributed $100,000 for research and training at the museum, highlighting the international support for cultural preservation and recognition of historical injustices.
Why it Matters
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is not just a ceremonial act; it represents a pivotal shift in the relationship between former colonial powers and the nations they once dominated. As discussions around cultural restitution gain momentum, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging historical wrongs. It lays the groundwork for more comprehensive dialogues about heritage and identity, fostering healing and understanding in societies still grappling with the legacies of colonialism. The Djidji Ayôkwé is more than an artefact; it is a symbol of resilience and a call to honour the past while embracing a future rooted in cultural pride and historical justice.
