France returns 1916-looted talking drum to Côte d’Ivoire

Transfer of the Djidji Ayôkwé

France has transferred the Djidji Ayôkwé, a 1916-looted talking drum, to Côte d’Ivoire, marking a significant step in the repatriation of colonial-era artifacts. The drum, seized by French authorities during a punitive mission in Adjamé, was returned on February 20, 2026, following a legal framework established by France to address historical cultural theft. The transfer occurred at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, with the drum destined for permanent display at Abidjan’s Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire.

Cultural Significance of the Drum

The Djidji Ayôkwé, a towering iroko wood drum over three meters tall and weighing 430 kilograms, holds deep cultural and functional significance for the Ébrié people. Its hourglass shape and carvings enabled it to mimic human speech through pressure variations, serving as a communication tool for signaling danger, mobilizing communities, and coordinating events. Access to the drum was restricted to select officials, underscoring its sacred status. Cultural experts emphasized its role as a symbol of resistance and a vessel for preserving collective memory.

Repatriation Efforts and Legal Framework

France’s repatriation efforts began in 2017 under President Emmanuel Macron, aiming to return looted artifacts to their countries of origin. The drum’s return aligned with Côte d’Ivoire’s 2019 initiative by President Alassane Ouattara to recover colonial-era cultural property. The process required advocacy by Ivorian officials, who highlighted the drum’s cultural value and the moral obligation to rectify historical injustices.

UNESCO Support and Global Context

UNESCO supported the transfer, framing it as a model of Franco-African collaboration. The organization provided a $100,000 grant to the Ivorian museum to aid research, training, and educational materials. This aligns with UNESCO’s 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, which both nations have ratified. The drum’s return reflects broader global efforts to address colonial-era cultural theft, including Germany’s repatriation of the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria and Italy’s return of Ethiopian relics. France’s legal framework, which authorizes the return of colonial-era artifacts, targets 14,800 items for restitution, aiming to expedite the process with transparency. The drum’s installation in Abidjan’s museum underscores its role in restoring cultural identity and setting a precedent for future repatriations.