France on Friday officially returned a sacred talking drum looted during the colonial era to Ivory Coast, marking the latest effort to repatriate African cultural artefacts taken during European colonial rule.
The drum, known as the Djidji Ayokwe, was confiscated in 1916 by French colonial authorities from the Ebrie people. Measuring more than three metres in length and weighing about 430 kilogrammes, the instrument was historically used to transmit messages across communities.
The handover ceremony took place at the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, where France’s Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, formally presented the artefact to Ivorian officials.
Ivory Coast’s Culture Minister, Francoise Remarck, described the restitution as emotional and symbolic, noting that the country was ready to welcome the historic object back home.
She said the return of the drum represents the restoration of an important cultural symbol that is finally going back to its homeland.
The Djidji Ayokwe is expected to be permanently displayed in a new museum currently under construction in Abidjan, the country’s commercial capital.
France is preparing to return hundreds of artefacts to African nations following growing restitution demands from former colonies including Algeria, Mali and Benin.
National museums in France hold tens of thousands of artworks and historical objects acquired during the colonial period, many of which were seized or purchased under controversial circumstances.
European countries have increasingly begun returning selected artefacts in recent years as part of broader efforts to strengthen diplomatic and cultural relations with former colonies.
AFP
