France Returns Historic “Talking Drum” Looted from Côte d’Ivoire in 1916

France returned a historic “talking drum” looted from Côte d’Ivoire in 1916, marking a key step in repatriating colonial-era artefacts. The Djidji Ayokwe drum, over three metres long and weighing 430 kilos, was used by the Ebrie tribe to transmit messages. Côte d’Ivoire’s Culture Minister expressed deep emotion at its return, and it will be permanently displayed in a new museum in Abidjan. France’s move is part of broader efforts, backed by new legislation, to return looted objects to African nations and foster reconciliation.

France on Friday formally returned a historic “talking drum” that had been taken from Côte d’Ivoire by colonial troops in 1916, in what represents the latest effort to repatriate cultural artefacts that were looted during the colonial era. The drum, known as the Djidji Ayokwe, is a striking and substantial object, measuring more than three metres (approximately 10 feet) in length and weighing around 430 kilograms (950 pounds). For the Ebrie tribe, the drum was far more than a musical instrument; it served as a vital communication tool, allowing messages to be transmitted across distances, and held deep cultural and symbolic significance.
The ceremony in Paris marking the drum’s return was attended by both Côte d’Ivoire’s Culture Minister Francoise Remarck and her French counterpart, Rachida Dati. Remarck spoke with visible emotion, saying she was “extremely moved” by the return of this object, which she described as a symbol “finally coming back to its homeland.” She added that the entire nation of Côte d’Ivoire was ready to welcome the drum, underscoring the importance of such repatriations in restoring cultural identity and pride.
The Djidji Ayokwe drum is planned to be permanently exhibited in a new museum under construction in Abidjan, the commercial capital of Côte d’Ivoire. Its display will allow future generations to connect with the heritage and history of the Ebrie people, reinforcing the drum’s role as a living symbol of cultural memory.
France’s national museums hold tens of thousands of artworks and artefacts acquired during the colonial period, through both plunder and purchase, and these collections have long been the subject of restitution demands from former colonies such as Algeria, Mali, Benin, and others. In response to growing international and domestic calls for justice, France has been gradually returning items to African nations, and the process is expected to accelerate following the passage of a new law authorising mass repatriations of cultural objects.
The return of the Djidji Ayokwe drum is part of a broader, slow-moving movement across Europe, where countries are increasingly acknowledging the historical injustices of the colonial era and taking steps to restore cultural heritage to its countries of origin. By returning such artefacts, European nations aim to foster reconciliation, build bridges with former colonies, and create opportunities for mutual understanding and cultural exchange. The repatriation of this drum is therefore both a symbolic and practical act, representing a tangible step toward rectifying the legacy of colonial exploitation while celebrating the rich cultural traditions of African societies.
It also reflects a recognition that artefacts like the Djidji Ayokwe drum are not merely objects of artistic or historical interest but are integral to the identity and collective memory of the communities that created them. Through such gestures, nations like Côte d’Ivoire can reclaim and preserve elements of their cultural heritage that were lost for over a century, offering citizens, scholars, and visitors alike a chance to engage with their history in meaningful ways. The ceremony in Paris, the emotional response of officials, and the plans for the drum’s permanent exhibition together highlight the ongoing commitment to acknowledging past wrongs and promoting cultural restitution as a step toward healing and understanding between former colonial powers and the nations they once ruled.