France Returns Looted Djidji Ayokwe Drum to Ivory Coast

After more than a century, the sacred Djidji Ayokwe talking drum has returned to Ivory Coast. French colonial forces seized the 430kg iroko wood instrument in 1916.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the drum was taken during a punitive expedition “in order to break the resistance of the Atchan people,” who used its speech-mimicking rhythms to warn of danger.

The artifact arrived in Abidjan on Friday, 13 March, following years of diplomatic lobbying and a specific French legislative act. Welcomed by traditional dancers and local chiefs, the drum represents a major step in France’s commitment to repatriate African heritage.

Ivory Coast’s Culture Minister, Francoise Remarck, told an international publication: “We are living through a moment of justice and remembrance that finally marks the return of the Djidji Ayokwe to its land of origin.”

To ensure the drum’s preservation, UNESCO provided $100,000 for staff training at the Museum of Civilizations. Chief Aboussou Guy Mobio noted: “This is the missing piece of the puzzle that is returning today.”

While this restitution is a historic milestone, Ivory Coast has identified 148 additional items it hopes to recover from international collections.

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