In a landmark moment for cultural restitution, Côte d’Ivoire has welcomed back the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum that was looted by French colonial forces in 1916. The drum, which represents a significant piece of Ivorian heritage, was returned during a ceremony held at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport in Abidjan. This event marks a pivotal step in the ongoing dialogue about the repatriation of artefacts taken during colonial rule.
The Journey Home
The Djidji Ayôkwé arrived in Abidjan at 8:45 AM on Friday, following its handover to Ivorian officials in Paris earlier this month. The drum had been housed at the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum in France prior to its much-anticipated return. Aboussou Guy Mobio, chief of the Adjamé-Bingerville community, expressed profound sentiments about the drum’s return, 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.”
The drum, which measures four metres in length and weighs an impressive 430 kilograms, is not merely an instrument but a symbol of cultural and political significance for the Ebrié people. Traditionally, it was utilised to communicate important messages across vast distances, announcing events such as deaths, celebrations, and even impending threats to the community.
A Symbol of Resistance
The Djidji Ayôkwé was confiscated by colonial authorities during a period of unrest when local villagers resisted forced labour imposed by the French. Its return is thus imbued with historical weight, representing not only a cultural artefact but also a narrative of resilience against colonial oppression. Françoise Remarck, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Culture and Francophonie, articulated the significance of the moment, stating, “We are indeed experiencing a moment of justice and remembrance.”
French President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment to returning the drum, initially made in 2021, culminated in this restitution after extensive negotiations and parliamentary ratification. Remarck further emphasised the drum’s importance as a message for the youth of Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting that its return is a step towards reclaiming their history and fostering social cohesion.
Celebrations and Future Prospects
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé was celebrated with traditional performances, including the tchaman dance, as cultural groups welcomed the artefact back to its homeland. Plans are underway for the drum’s permanent exhibition at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, with a ceremony expected to take place in April. UNESCO has pledged $100,000 to support research and training for the museum’s staff, ensuring the drum is properly showcased to the public.
Sylvie Memel Kassi, a former director of the museum and current founder of the TAPA Foundation for Arts and Culture, noted that the drum’s return could pave the way for further cultural restitutions. “We are studying eight other objects,” she mentioned, indicating a growing momentum towards addressing the legacy of colonial-era artefacts.
Why it Matters
The restitution of the Djidji Ayôkwé is not just a return of a physical object; it signifies a broader movement towards acknowledging historical injustices and reconnecting communities with their cultural heritage. As nations grapple with the ramifications of colonialism, such acts of restitution serve as vital steps towards healing and reconciliation. The drum’s homecoming reaffirms the importance of cultural identity and the need for ongoing dialogue between former colonial powers and the nations they once governed.
