France Returns Sacred 'Talking Drum' to Ivory Coast

France has successfully returned a sacred talking drum, known as the Djidji Ayôkwé, to Ivory Coast, more than a century after it was taken during colonial rule. The drum, which is over three meters long and weighs approximately 430 kilograms, was seized by French colonial authorities in 1916 and later displayed in museums in France, including the Trocadéro Museum and the Quai Branly Museum in Paris.

The return of the drum was celebrated at Abidjan International Airport, where it was greeted by members of the Ebrié community, the original owners of the drum. Ivory Coast's Culture Minister, Françoise Remarck, expressed deep emotions during the event, stating, "This is a historic day with a lot of emotions. We are living through a moment of justice and remembrance that finally marks the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé to its land of origin."

The drum's repatriation is part of a broader initiative by France to return African cultural artifacts, a process that began in 2017. The talking drum is the first item on a list of 148 works that Ivory Coast is seeking to have returned from France and other countries. The French parliament passed a special law authorizing its restitution on February 20, 2026.

Francis Tagro, director of the Museum of Civilizations in Abidjan, announced that the drum will be exhibited prominently in the national museum, emphasizing its cultural significance. He remarked, "We are deeply happy and proud to receive this sacred drum. It means so much to us; it will elevate the sense of culture of the young generation."

The Djidji Ayôkwé is a central piece of Ebrié heritage, traditionally used for communication and ceremonial purposes. Its return signifies a meaningful step towards acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices related to colonialism.