In a landmark cultural restitution, France has returned the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum taken from Côte d’Ivoire over a century ago. The ceremonial handover took place in Paris earlier this month, culminating in the drum’s arrival at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport in Abidjan on 13 March 2026. This event marks a significant step in acknowledging the historical injustices of colonialism and restoring cultural heritage to its rightful owners.
A Journey Through Time
The Djidji Ayôkwé, an hourglass-shaped drum measuring four metres in length and weighing 430kg, has deep cultural roots among the Ebrié people of Côte d’Ivoire. Historically, it served not only as a musical instrument but also as a vital means of communication, transmitting messages over long distances to announce important community events or alert villagers to impending dangers. Its confiscation in 1916 was a direct consequence of colonial repression, following local resistance to forced labour.
Upon its arrival in Abidjan, Aboussou Guy Mobio, the chief of the Adjamé-Bingerville community, expressed profound gratitude, 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.” His words underscore the drum’s significance as a connection to ancestral heritage and the collective memory of a community that has long been deprived of its cultural symbols.
Political and Cultural Significance
French President Emmanuel Macron initially pledged to return the Djidji Ayôkwé in 2021, a commitment that required four years of negotiations and legislative approval from the French parliament. The restitution ceremony was attended by Ivorian culture minister Françoise Remarck, who hailed the event as a moment of “justice and remembrance.” She conveyed her gratitude towards both President Ouattara and Macron, emphasising the drum’s return as a beacon of hope for a younger generation eager to reclaim their history.
“Djidji Ayôkwé, today your return is a message for our youth… a symbol of social cohesion, peace, and dialogue,” she declared, highlighting the drum’s role in fostering unity and cultural pride within the Ivorian populace.
Celebrations and Future Prospects
As the wooden crate containing the drum was unloaded, a cultural troupe performed traditional dances, celebrating this historic moment. The drum is expected to be permanently installed at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, with an exhibition planned for April. To facilitate this process, UNESCO has pledged $100,000 (£75,400) through its Abidjan office to support research and training at the museum, ensuring that the drum is preserved and appreciated by future generations.
Sylvie Memel Kassi, a prominent cultural figure and former director of the museum, indicated that the Djidji Ayôkwé’s return could pave the way for further restitutions of cultural artefacts. “We are studying eight other objects,” she mentioned, signalling a potential shift in the approach to colonial-era artefacts held in Western institutions.
Why it Matters
This restitution of the Djidji Ayôkwé is not merely a symbolic act; it represents a growing recognition of the need for accountability and reconciliation in post-colonial contexts. As countries grapple with their colonial pasts, the return of artefacts like the Djidji Ayôkwé serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural heritage in shaping national identity and fostering social cohesion. The event also highlights a broader trend towards restitution, encouraging other nations to reconsider their collections of looted artefacts and engage in meaningful dialogues around cultural ownership and restitution.
