France has formally returned a historic ‘talking drum’ seized during the colonial era to Cote d’Ivoire, marking another step in Europe’s gradual effort to repatriate African cultural artefacts taken during imperial expansion.
The Djidji Ayokwe drum, removed by French colonial troops in 1916, was handed over on Friday during an official ceremony in Paris attended by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati and Cote d’Ivoire Culture Minister Francoise Remarck. The restitution follows growing diplomatic pressure from African governments seeking the return of heritage objects held in European collections.
Measuring more than three metres in length and weighing about 430 kilograms, the drum was historically used by the Ebrie people as a communication instrument, transmitting messages across communities through rhythmic signals.
Speaking at the ceremony, Remarck described the return as an emotional moment for the nation, emphasising the drum’s cultural and historical significance.
‘All of Cote d’Ivoire is ready to welcome it,’ she said, adding that she was ‘extremely moved’ by the return of a symbol that was ‘finally coming back to its homeland’.
Officials confirmed that the Djidji Ayokwe drum will eventually be placed on permanent display in a new museum under construction in Abidjan, the country’s commercial capital. The facility is expected to serve as a central hub for preserving and showcasing Ivorian cultural heritage.
French authorities characterised the handover as part of a broader cultural partnership aimed at strengthening ties with African nations while addressing long-standing historical grievances linked to colonial-era acquisitions.
The return comes amid increasing restitution demands from former French colonies including Algeria, Mali and Benin. Governments across Africa have intensified efforts to reclaim artefacts they argue were removed through coercion, military seizure or unequal colonial transactions.
France’s public museums hold tens of thousands of African artworks and cultural objects acquired during the colonial period. Until recently, returning such items required individual parliamentary approval, slowing restitution efforts.
However, French lawmakers are now considering legislation designed to streamline large-scale repatriations, potentially accelerating the return of hundreds of artefacts to African countries in the coming years.
Across Europe, debates over ownership, restitution and historical accountability have gained prominence as museums reassess the origins of items in their collections. While only a limited number of artefacts have been returned so far, cultural restitution is increasingly viewed as a diplomatic and moral issue shaping relations between Europe and Africa.
Supporters argue that returning cultural property restores historical dignity and enables African nations to reclaim narratives disrupted by colonial rule. Critics, however, say the pace of returns remains slow relative to the vast number of objects taken during the colonial era.
According to AFP, France is preparing additional restitutions as part of a wider policy shift intended to foster cultural dialogue and rebuild trust with former colonies.
For Cote d’Ivoire, officials say the return of the Djidji Ayokwe drum carries meaning beyond museum display. Once used to transmit messages across communities, the instrument now symbolises the recovery of cultural memory — and a renewed connection between past and present.
