Ivory Coast has celebrated the return of the Djidji Ayokwe, a revered “talking drum” taken by French colonial forces in 1916 and later transported to France.
The historic artifact returned to its original community in Ivory Coast in time for the country’s Independence Day celebrations, giving residents their first opportunity to see the drum after more than a century.
The massive wooden drum, measuring more than three metres (10 feet) long and weighing about 430 kilograms, played an important role in the traditional life of the Ebrie people. It was used to transmit messages over long distances, including warnings of danger, calls to war and summons for community gatherings.
The drum was formally handed over to Ivory Coast in February and arrived in the country in March aboard a specially chartered aircraft. It remained sealed inside a large wooden crate until its public unveiling.
Ivory Coast had formally requested the return of the Djidji Ayokwe and 148 other cultural artifacts taken during the colonial era in 2018. The drum is among a growing number of African cultural treasures being considered for repatriation from French institutions following the passage of a new French law in May.
On Friday, the artifact was transported through the Yopougon district of Abidjan as part of a military parade before being taken to its historic birthplace in the village of Adjame.
Displayed inside a glass-fronted case on a specially decorated float, the drum was welcomed by Culture Minister Francoise Remarck, traditional leaders and hundreds of residents.
A traditional libation ceremony was also held to honour the community’s ancestors and mark the drum’s homecoming.
Adjame Mayor Farikou Soumahoro described the occasion as one of deep emotion and pride, stressing the importance of preserving cultural heritage as part of national development.
Residents also expressed their excitement at seeing the artifact return to its ancestral home.
Jacqueline Akrebie, 69, said she wanted to see the drum with her own eyes to confirm its long-awaited return, while traditional leader Cyriaque Ahoure, 63, described the moment as one of great joy and remembrance of the community’s ancestors.
Beyond its role as a musical instrument, the Djidji Ayokwe served as a vital communication tool for the Ebrie community. Its powerful sound could be used to alert villagers to threats, mobilise fighters and bring people together for important gatherings.
French colonial authorities confiscated the drum in 1916. It was later transported to Europe in 1929 and remained on display in Paris for decades.
The Djidji Ayokwe is now expected to be displayed at the Museum of Civilisations in Abidjan, where special renovations have been carried out to accommodate the historic artifact.
Its return forms part of a wider international campaign for the repatriation of African cultural treasures taken during the colonial era. Countries including Senegal and Benin have also been seeking the return of artifacts held in European museums and private collections.
The homecoming of the Djidji Ayokwe has therefore become more than a cultural event, symbolising Ivory Coast’s efforts to reclaim and preserve parts of its heritage removed during the colonial period.
