Côte d'Ivoire: Looted Sacred Drum Repatriated From France Goes on Display

The Ivorian Drum, Looted By France, Goes On Display for First Time At Home in Côte d'Ivoire.

The Djidji Ayokwe, a sacred 'talking drum' looted by French colonial troops in 1916 and taken to France, has arrived in its home village in Côte d'Ivoire. The imposing wooden drum, more than three metres long and weighing 430 kilogrammes, was used by the Ebrie tribe to transmit messages. It was officially handed over in February and arrived back in Côte d'Ivoire in March aboard a specially chartered plane but was not taken out of its huge wooden crate.

The repatriation of the Djidji Ayokwe is significant for practitioners as it highlights the ongoing efforts by African countries to reclaim their cultural heritage from European colonial powers. The return of this sacred object marks a step towards reconciliation and recognition of the historical injustices perpetrated during the colonial era. This development also underscores the importance of preserving cultural identity and promoting national heritage.

The relevant statutes and regulations involved in this matter are not explicitly stated, but it is likely that the repatriation was facilitated by the approval in May of a new French law aimed at returning stolen artefacts to Africa. The Djidji Ayokwe's return is also part of a broader effort by Côte d'Ivoire to reclaim its cultural heritage, with the country having asked for the return of 148 works of art taken during the colonial period.

The key parties involved in this matter include the government of Côte d'Ivoire, the French authorities, and the Ebrie tribe. The repatriation ceremony was attended by Culture Minister Françoise Remarck, traditional leaders, and hundreds of local residents. Practitioners should take note of the ongoing efforts to reclaim cultural heritage and the importance of preserving national identity.

Practitioner takeaway: Attorneys and businesses involved in cultural heritage law should monitor developments related to the repatriation of stolen artefacts from European colonial powers. This includes staying up-to-date with relevant laws, regulations, and court decisions that may impact the return of cultural objects to their countries of origin.