Ivory Coast celebrates return of sacred 'talking drum' looted by France

In the heart of Blokoss village, near Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, a vibrant celebration of generational unity took place during the annual Fête des Générations. The event highlighted the enduring cultural identity of the Atchan people, who gathered to honor the passing of knowledge and traditions across age groups. This festival, deeply rooted in ancestral customs, continues to thrive despite the pressures of modernization and urban expansion. The festivities coincided with the return of a historically significant artifact, the Djidji Ayokwe, a sacred “talking drum” once looted by French colonial forces in 1916. After nearly a century abroad, the drum made its triumphant journey back to its homeland, arriving in Côte d’Ivoire in March following its official handover in February. Transported in a specially chartered plane, the drum remained encased in its massive wooden crate until its ceremonial unveiling. The return marked a symbolic step toward reclaiming cultural heritage and historical memory. The drum’s arrival was celebrated on Côte d’Ivoire’s National Independence Day, drawing thousands of spectators as it was paraded through the Yopougon district of Abidjan. A decorated float, adorned with traditional symbols, carried the drum in a glass-fronted case, accompanied by Culture Minister Francoise Remarck and representatives of the local community. The procession culminated in the village of Adjame, where the drum was finally revealed after years of anticipation. Traditional leaders and residents gathered to welcome the drum, marking a moment of profound emotional significance. The Djidji Ayokwe, measuring over three meters in length and weighing nearly 430 kilograms, holds deep cultural and historical value for the Ebrie tribe. Used as a means of communication, it played a crucial role in transmitting messages, warning of dangers, and organizing communal activities. Its seizure by French colonizers in 1916 and subsequent exhibition in Paris for decades severed a vital link to the past. Now returned, the drum stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and cultural sovereignty. The drum’s repatriation follows a broader movement toward the restitution of African artifacts held in European museums. In late 2018, Côte d’Ivoire formally requested the return of the Djidji Ayokwe alongside 148 other artworks taken during the colonial era. This effort aligns with France’s recent legislative changes, approved in May, aimed at facilitating the return of such items. Similar requests have been made by Senegal and Benin, reflecting growing international pressure on Western institutions to address historical injustices. At the ceremony, villagers expressed deep emotions upon seeing the drum for the first time. Jacqueline Akrebie, a 69-year-old resident, emphasized the importance of witnessing the drum with her own eyes to affirm its rightful belonging. Traditional leader Cyriaque Ahoure described the moment as one of shared joy and remembrance, highlighting the drum’s role in connecting generations to their ancestors. The Djidji Ayokwe will soon be displayed at the newly renovated Museum of Civilizations in Abidjan, ensuring its preservation and public accessibility. As part of this cultural revival, the drum serves not only as a relic but as a living testament to the strength and continuity of Côte d’Ivoire’s heritage. Its return marks a pivotal chapter in the ongoing dialogue about history, identity, and the ethical responsibilities of preserving and sharing cultural legacies.