France has returned a sacred African drum taken during the colonial era to Ivory Coast, more than a century after it was seized by colonial forces.
The drum, known as Djidji Ayôkwé, was taken in 1916 and later transported to France in 1929. It was displayed for decades in museums in Paris, including the Musée du Quai Branly.
Cultural symbol returns home
The sacred drum was welcomed back at Abidjan International Airport by members of the Ebrié community, the original custodians of the instrument.
Measuring over three metres long and weighing around 430 kilograms, the drum is carved from iroko wood and holds deep cultural significance.
Traditionally, the instrument was used to warn of danger, mobilize communities for war, and summon villages to important ceremonies.
Historic moment for cultural heritage
Ivory Coast’s culture minister Françoise Remarck described the return as an emotional and historic moment.
She said the repatriation represents “a moment of justice and remembrance” for the country and its people.
The drum will be placed on display at the Museum of Civilizations of Ivory Coast, where officials say it will help educate younger generations about their cultural heritage.
Wider effort to return African artefacts
The restitution is part of a broader initiative by France to return cultural artefacts taken during colonial rule, a process launched by Emmanuel Macron in 2017.
The Djidji Ayôkwé is the first item among 148 artefacts that Ivory Coast has requested to be returned from French collections.
France has already repatriated several historic objects to African nations, including royal treasures to Benin and a historic sabre to Senegal.
French lawmakers have also begun discussing new legislation to make it easier to return colonial-era artefacts to their countries of origin.
