Traditional chiefs gathered at Ivory Coast's primary airport on Friday to welcome a monumental "talking drum" that was looted over a century ago during the colonial era. This event marks the first artefact returned to the West African nation by its former colonial power, France, signalling a pivotal moment in ongoing restitution campaigns.
Historic Significance of the Djidji Ayokwe Drum
Known as "Djidji Ayokwè," which translates to Panther-Lion in the Atchan language, the drum holds profound cultural and historical importance. According to Ivory Coast's culture ministry, the artefact measures over three metres in length and weighs nearly 400 kilograms, making it an imposing symbol of resistance.
The Atchan people, indigenous to southern Ivory Coast, historically used this drum to alert communities to forced labour operations imposed by colonisers and to mobilise fighters during periods of conflict. Its confiscation in 1916 represented a significant loss of cultural heritage, with the drum initially kept at the governor's palace in Abidjan before being sent to France in 1930, where it was later displayed at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris.
Ceremonial Welcome and Emotional Reactions
The welcome ceremony was a vibrant affair, punctuated by traditional songs and war dances, reflecting the drum's deep-rooted significance. Françoise Remarck, Ivory Coast's minister of culture and Francophonie, expressed profound emotion, stating, "This is a historic day, and I am deeply moved."
Gervais Djoman, chief of an Atchan village, donned a traditional loincloth for the occasion and highlighted the psychological impact of the drum's return. "We are reclaiming our identity. Psychologically, something had been taken from us," he remarked, emphasising the joy and pride felt by the Atchan people.
Broader Context of Cultural Restitution
This restitution occurs amid growing international pressure for former colonial powers, including France and Britain, to return artefacts taken from Africa and Asia. The Ivory Coast culture ministry is actively seeking the restitution of 148 artefacts from France, with the talking drum being the first to complete the return journey.
Recent years have seen similar efforts across the globe. In 2022, London's Horniman Museum and Gardens agreed to return 72 Benin Bronzes looted from present-day Nigeria, followed by the Netherlands returning 119 Benin Bronzes three years later. Additionally, in 2024, the University of Cambridge repatriated 39 traditional artefacts to Uganda, and in February, 74 centuries-old items were returned from the UK to Cambodia after being looted during decades of war and instability.
Future Implications and Cultural Revival
The return of the Djidji Ayokwe drum not only symbolises a rectification of historical injustices but also fosters cultural revival and identity reclamation for the Atchan community. As security forces oversaw the careful handling of the drum via forklift trucks during the ceremony, the event underscored the meticulous efforts involved in such restitution processes.
This landmark return sets a precedent for future negotiations between Ivory Coast and France, potentially paving the way for the recovery of additional artefacts. It highlights a shifting global paradigm towards acknowledging and addressing colonial-era thefts, with profound implications for heritage preservation and international diplomacy.
