France gives back colonial-era drum to Ivory Coast

France has returned a sacred talking drum taken during the colonial era to Ivory Coast, marking the first such return to the West African nation from its former colonial ruler, the Associated Press reported on March 13th. 

The artifact, known as the Djidji Ayôkwé talking drum, was originally used by the Atchan people from the Abidjan region. Carved from wood, the large drum served as a communication tool between villages, allowing messages to be transmitted across long distances. Colonial authorities seized it in 1916.

French officials returned the drum as part of a broader effort announced in 2018 to repatriate cultural objects taken from African countries during the colonial period. For years, many European institutions resisted returning such artifacts, but growing international pressure has encouraged governments to reconsider their policies regarding heritage items acquired during colonial rule.

At a ceremony held at Félix Houphouët‑Boigny International Airport, Ivorian Culture Minister Françoise Remarck described the return of the drum as a significant moment for the country. Remarck called it a “historic day” and emphasised the importance of remembering the past while restoring cultural heritage in its place of origin.

The Djidji Ayôkwé is an imposing artifact, measuring roughly 11.5 feet in length and weighing around 950 pounds. In addition to transmitting messages between villages, the instrument was used to warn residents about forced labour recruitment which was coordinated by colonial authorities. 

Before the drum could be transported back to the Ivory Coast, members of the Atchan community travelled to France to perform rituals to lift its sacred status. 

The drum will remain under observation for several weeks to allow it to adjust from the dry climate of Paris to the humid conditions of coastal West Africa. After this acclimatization period, it is expected to be displayed publicly at Abidjan’s Museum of Civilisations, where visitors will be able to learn about its historical and cultural significance.

The restitution could mark the beginning of further returns. Ivory Coast has identified at least 140 additional objects currently held in France that it hopes will eventually be repatriated as part of ongoing discussions about colonial-era cultural heritage.

Associate Press, Maghrebi.org