France Returns Sacred ‘Talking Drum’ Looted During Colonial Rule to Ivory Coast

In a historic and deeply emotional event, Ivory Coast has officially welcomed home a sacred drum that was looted by French forces during colonial times. The cultural artefact, known as the Djidji Ayôkwé (Panther Lion), had been taken from the country over a century ago and is now returning to its rightful place.

The drum was originally seized by French colonial authorities in 1916 and later transported to France in 1929. It was displayed at the Trocadéro Museum before being moved to the Quai Branly Museum in Paris. This remarkable artefact, measuring over three meters (approximately 10 feet) in length and weighing around 430 kilograms (68 stone), is carved from durable iroko wood and bears intricate designs symbolizing the Ebrié people’s heritage.

The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is part of a broader French initiative to repatriate African cultural treasures, a program initiated in 2017 aimed at rectifying historical injustices and acknowledging the cultural significance of such artefacts.

The drum arrived in Ivory Coast aboard a specially chartered flight. Due to its size and delicate construction, it remained in its large wooden crate marked “fragile” until safely received. At Abidjan International Airport, local chiefs and traditional dancers were present to welcome the drum in a ceremonial reception, highlighting its cultural and spiritual importance.

“This is a historic day with a lot of emotions,” said Françoise Remarck, Ivory Coast’s Culture Minister, describing the event as a moment of justice and remembrance. “The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé marks a significant restoration of our cultural heritage and is a moment of pride for the entire nation.”

Francis Tagro, director of the Museum of Civilizations in Abidjan, confirmed that the drum would be displayed in a prominent location within the museum. “Receiving this sacred drum fills us with joy and pride,” he said. “It will enhance the cultural awareness of our young generation and preserve the traditions of the Ebrié community.”

The Djidji Ayôkwé drum is central to Ebrié heritage, traditionally used to send warnings of impending danger, rally people for communal events, and summon villages for ceremonies. The Ebrié people, who are based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s largest city, consider this drum a vital emblem of their ancestral legacy.

The official handover took place on 20 February, following the passage of a special law by the French parliament authorizing the restitution. This drum is the first item on a list of 148 works that Ivory Coast hopes to recover from France and other countries. In recent years, France has also returned parts of the Abomey royal treasures to Benin and a historic sabre to Senegal, reflecting a growing effort to address colonial-era cultural expropriation.

As former colonies continue to request the return of cultural artefacts, the French Senate passed a framework law on 29 January to simplify the restitution of items from national collections. The law is anticipated to be debated soon in the French National Assembly, potentially accelerating the repatriation of additional treasures.

The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé drum is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a profound recognition of the cultural identity, history, and dignity of the Ivorian people. Its arrival promises to strengthen national pride, inspire future generations, and deepen the global conversation about the restitution of looted cultural heritage.