France Returns Sacred Djidji Ayôkwé Talking Drum to Côte d’Ivoire

In a significant cultural milestone, France has returned the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum, to Côte d’Ivoire, an act that symbolizes healing and reconciliation between the two nations. The drum, which was looted by French colonial authorities in 1916, was officially handed over to Ivorian officials in Paris earlier this month and arrived in Abidjan on March 13, 2026.

The Djidji Ayôkwé, measuring four meters and weighing 430 kilograms, is not just an artifact but a vital piece of cultural heritage for the Ebrié people of Côte d’Ivoire. Historically, it served as a means of communication, transmitting messages across long distances to announce significant events and alert communities to dangers. Its return is seen as a restoration of cultural identity and a reconnection with ancestral roots.

Françoise Remarck, Côte d’Ivoire's Minister of Culture and Francophonie, expressed her deep emotions during the restitution ceremony, highlighting the drum's return as a moment of justice and remembrance. She emphasized its importance as a symbol of social cohesion and peace, encouraging the youth to reclaim their history.

The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is part of a broader movement towards the restitution of cultural artifacts taken during colonial times. The French government, under President Emmanuel Macron, committed to returning the drum in 2021, and after extensive discussions, the decision was ratified by the French parliament. This event is expected to pave the way for further restitutions, with eight other objects currently under consideration for return to Côte d’Ivoire.