In a landmark cultural restitution, France has returned the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum, to Côte d’Ivoire, over a century after it was taken by colonial authorities. The drum, which holds significant historical and cultural importance for the Ebrié people, was officially handed over to Ivorian representatives earlier this month in Paris and arrived in Abidjan on 13 March 2026.
A Symbol of Heritage and Resistance
The Djidji Ayôkwé, measuring four metres in length and weighing 430 kilograms, is an hourglass-shaped drum traditionally used to communicate messages across vast distances, from celebrations to warnings of danger. Its confiscation in 1916 by French colonial forces followed a local uprising against forced labour, marking a painful chapter in the region’s history. This drum not only embodies the musical heritage of the Ebrié community but also serves as a symbol of their resistance against colonial oppression.
Aboussou Guy Mobio, a prominent leader from the Adjamé-Bingerville community, expressed profound emotions upon the drum’s return. “After a long absence, it is coming back to its people, and it is an honour for us to welcome it. This is the missing piece of the puzzle returning today. Receiving this sacred instrument is a relief, but it also reconnects us with our ancestors,” he remarked.
The Journey to Repatriation
The path to this restitution was paved with discussions that began in earnest following French President Emmanuel Macron’s commitment in 2021 to return looted artefacts to their countries of origin. It took four years of negotiations, culminating in a parliamentary decision that finally sanctioned the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé.
Françoise Remarck, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Culture and Francophonie, addressed the gathering at the airport, declaring, “We are experiencing a moment of justice and remembrance. Today’s return sends a powerful message to our youth, encouraging them to reclaim their history.”
Cultural Celebrations and Future Plans
The arrival of the drum was marked by traditional celebrations, including performances by local dancers who welcomed the artefact with the vibrant tchaman dance. This event not only celebrated the drum’s return but also signified a broader movement towards reclaiming cultural heritage that has been displaced due to colonial actions.
Plans are already underway for the drum’s permanent installation at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire, with a formal unveiling expected in April. UNESCO has contributed significantly to this effort, providing $100,000 to support research and training initiatives at the museum, ensuring that the Djidji Ayôkwé will be preserved and appreciated by future generations.
Sylvie Memel Kassi, a former director of the museum and founder of the TAPA Foundation for Arts and Culture, highlighted the drum’s return as a catalyst for further restitution efforts, indicating that discussions are ongoing regarding at least eight other artefacts currently under consideration.
Why it Matters
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is more than a mere transfer of an artefact; it represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between former colonial powers and the nations they once subjugated. This act of restitution not only restores a precious cultural symbol to its rightful home but also fosters a sense of unity and healing for a community long affected by the legacies of colonialism. As Côte d’Ivoire embraces this drum, it signals a broader acknowledgment of historical injustices and a commitment to cultural reclamation, encouraging other nations to pursue similar paths of restitution.
