France returns 'talking drum' looted in 1916 in Ivory Coast

France Returns Djidji Ayôkwé Drum to Ivory Coast

On Friday, France officially returned the Djidji Ayôkwé, a significant cultural artefact, to the Ivory Coast during a ceremony in Abidjan. This marks the first formal restitution of a cultural object from France to the West African nation.

The Djidji Ayôkwé, often referred to as the "talking drum," is a large, intricately carved wooden drum historically utilized by the Atchan people of the Abidjan region for communication between villages. The artefact arrived in Abidjan's economic capital early Friday morning.

To ensure its preservation, the drum will be stored for a month in a secure, climate-controlled environment to prevent damage to the centuries-old wood. This acclimatization process is crucial to adapt the artefact to the local climate conditions.

The drum is anticipated to be exhibited in April at the newly renovated Museum of Civilizations in Abidjan. This event signifies a pivotal moment for the Ivory Coast, highlighting the importance of cultural heritage preservation and restoration.

During the ceremony, Ivory Coast's Culture Minister, Françoise Remarck, emphasized the significance of the drum's return as a message of historical ownership and community unity. The drum, seized by French colonial authorities in 1916, was part of a formal request by the Ivory Coast in 2018 for the return of 148 cultural objects.

Serge Akmel, a local resident witnessing the drum's arrival, expressed joy and relief at the artefact's return, noting the historical and cultural impact of its absence.

The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is part of broader initiatives pledged by French President Emmanuel Macron during the Africa-France summit in 2021, aimed at restituting African cultural heritage.

Based on reporting by Africanews.