Symbol of Resistance: Sacred Talking Drum Returns to Côte d'Ivoire

A sacred artefact looted by French colonial authorities over a century ago has returned to Côte d'Ivoire, marking one of the most significant cultural restitutions to a former French colony in recent years. The Djidji Ayôkwé, a talking drum confiscated in 1916, landed at 8:45 AM on Friday at the airport in Port Bouët, near the economic capital Abidjan. This historic event followed the drum's handover to Ivorian officials in Paris after being removed from the Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac Museum. Aboussou Guy Mobio, chief of the Adjamé-Bingerville community, expressed the importance of this return, stating that it is an honor and relief to welcome the drum back home. "After a long stay away from this land, it is returning to its own people. This is the missing piece of the puzzle that is returning today," he remarked. The reception of this sacred instrument not only signifies a connection to their ancestors but also serves as a reminder of their struggles and resilience. The Djidji Ayôkwé is an hourglass-shaped pressure drum designed to replicate the tone, pitch, and rhythm of human speech. Weighing 430 kg and measuring 4 meters in length, it held significant cultural and political value for the Ebrié people, who inhabit the region around Abidjan. Historically utilized for communication over long distances, the drum was a means of announcing deaths, celebrations, and even warnings about potential dangers. Its confiscation by colonial authorities during a local resistance against forced labor in 1916 was a poignant moment of cultural loss. French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to return the drum in 2021, but its restitution required four years of discussions and efforts to gain parliamentary approval in France. Françoise Remarck, Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Culture and Francophonie, spoke emotionally about the drum's return during Friday's ceremony. "We are indeed experiencing a moment of justice and remembrance," she said, expressing gratitude to both President Alassane Ouattara and President Macron for their roles in this historic day. In an inspiring message directed towards the country's youth, Remarck stated, "Djidji Ayôkwé today your return is a message for our youth who have chosen to reclaim their history and for the communities—a symbol of social cohesion, peace, and dialogue. March 13 is just the beginning." As the drum was unloaded from the aircraft, a cultural troupe celebrated with a traditional tchaman dance, showcasing the deep-rooted cultural heritage connected to the Djidji Ayôkwé. A more formal ceremony is planned to celebrate its permanent installation at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire in the Plateau administrative district, expected to take place in April. In support of the drum's exhibition, UNESCO has donated €100,000 (approximately $75,400) through its Abidjan office for research and training at the museum. Sylvie Memel Kassi, a former director of the museum and founder of the TAPA Foundation for Arts and Culture, shared the hope that the return of the drum would pave the way for further restitution efforts. She mentioned that discussions are underway concerning eight other significant objects currently under review by Ivorian and French authorities. The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé not only serves as a critical step in acknowledging and addressing colonial injustices but also reignites cultural pride among the Ivorian people. As they reconnect with their past, the drum stands not only as an artefact but as a vibrant reminder of resilience, heritage, and community. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2