Côte d'Ivoire Repatriates Lootered Talking Drum from French Colonial Era

• The Djidji Ayokwe, a sacred 'talking drum', has been repatriated from France to Côte d'Ivoire after nearly a century.
• The return of the drum marks a significant step towards preserving Côte d'Ivoire's cultural heritage and promoting its rich cultural identity.
• The repatriation of looted artefacts is a sensitive issue, with museums and institutions facing pressure to give back stolen treasures.
• Côte d'Ivoire had requested the return of the Djidji Ayokwe in 2018, along with 147 other works of art, under the new French law facilitating repatriation.

The return of the Djidji Ayokwe is a significant step towards preserving Côte d'Ivoire's cultural heritage and promoting its rich cultural identity.

The Djidji Ayokwe, a sacred 'talking drum' looted by French colonial troops in 1916, has finally returned to its home village in Côte d'Ivoire. This momentous occasion marks the culmination of years of efforts by the Ivorian government to reclaim their cultural heritage. The repatriation of the Djidji Ayokwe is a significant step towards preserving the country's history and promoting its rich cultural identity. The drum, which was used by the Ebrie tribe to transmit messages, has been absent from its homeland for nearly a century. Its return is a testament to the power of perseverance and collaboration between nations. The ceremony, held on Côte d'Ivoire's national independence day holiday, was attended by local residents, traditional leaders, and Culture Minister Françoise Remarck. The drum was carried in a military parade through the Yopougon district of Abidjan before being taken to its final destination, where it will be displayed at the Museum of Civilisations in Abidjan.

The Djidji Ayokwe is one of hundreds of stolen artefacts that Paris is preparing to send back to Africa. The return of cultural heritage taken during the colonial period has become a sensitive issue, with museums and institutions facing pressure to repatriate looted treasures. Côte d'Ivoire had requested the return of the Djidji Ayokwe in 2018, along with 147 other works of art. The French government's decision to approve a new law facilitating the return of looted artefacts has paved the way for this repatriation. Senegal and Benin have also joined Côte d'Ivoire in seeking the return of their cultural treasures. This development highlights the complexities of colonialism and its lasting impact on African nations.

The return of the Djidji Ayokwe is a significant milestone in the preservation of Côte d'Ivoire's cultural heritage. The drum, which was used for both musical and communicative purposes, holds immense historical significance. Its restoration and display at the Museum of Civilisations will provide an opportunity for locals to connect with their ancestors and appreciate their rich cultural legacy. The repatriation of looted artefacts is a crucial step towards preserving African history and promoting cross-cultural understanding. As Côte d'Ivoire continues to reclaim its cultural heritage, it serves as a model for other nations seeking to address similar issues.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note that the return of looted cultural artefacts has become a sensitive issue, with museums and institutions facing pressure to repatriate stolen treasures. This development may impact the handling of similar cases in Africa and beyond.

Source: Original reporting via AllAfrica