More than a century after its seizure during colonial rule, a sacred drum looted by French forces from Ivory Coast has finally been returned to its homeland. The artifact was taken by colonial authorities in 1916.
Its journey to France concluded in 1929, where it was subsequently exhibited. Initially, it found a place at the Trocadéro Museum, and later transitioned to the Quai Branly Museum in Paris.
The Djidji Ayôkwé: A Symbol of Ebrié Heritage
Known as the Djidji Ayôkwé, this significant talking drum was ceremonially welcomed back by members of the Ebrié community, its rightful owners. The drum is an impressive artifact, measuring over three meters (approximately 10 feet) in length. It also carries substantial weight, estimated at 430 kilograms (around 68 stone), and is meticulously carved from iroko wood.
This repatriation is part of a broader initiative by France, launched in 2017, to return African cultural objects. The drum’s arrival was facilitated by a specially chartered aircraft, though it remained securely housed within its substantial wooden crate, clearly marked as a fragile item.
At Abidjan International Airport, awaiting its arrival, were traditional dancers and a local chieftain. Ivory Coast’s Minister of Culture, Françoise Remarck, described the event to the BBC as a profound moment. “This is a historic day filled with a great deal of emotion,” she stated. “We are witnessing a moment of justice and remembrance, which finally signifies the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé to its land of origin.”
A Drum’s Traditional Significance and Modern Restitution
The talking drum holds a central position in Ebrié heritage. Traditionally, its resonant voice served multiple crucial functions within the community. It was used to signal impending danger, rally individuals for defense or conflict, and convene villagers for important ceremonies. The Ebrié ethnic group notably resides in Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s most populous city.
Following the passage of a specific law by the French parliament explicitly authorizing its restitution, the drum was formally handed back by Paris on February 20th. This specific talking drum represents the first item on a comprehensive list compiled by Ivory Coast, which seeks the return of 148 cultural works from France and other nations.
France has previously engaged in similar acts of returning artifacts. Notably, some of the Abomey royal treasures were given back to Benin, and a historical saber was returned to Senegal.
As requests for restitution from former colonies continue to rise, the French Senate took a significant step on January 29th. They adopted a framework law designed to streamline the process of removing colonial-era artifacts from France’s national collections. This proposed legislation is now scheduled for deliberation by the National Assembly.