France Returns Colonial Talking Drum to Ivory Coast

France has officially returned a colonial-era talking drum, known as the djidji ayokw, to Ivory Coast, marking a significant step in the repatriation of African cultural artifacts taken during European colonial rule. The drum, which measures three meters in length and weighs 430 kilograms, was confiscated in 1916 by French colonial authorities.

The handover ceremony took place at the Musée du quai Branly in Paris, where France's Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, formally presented the artifact to Ivorian officials. François Remarck, Ivory Coast's Minister of Culture, described the restitution as an emotional symbol, emphasizing the country's readiness to welcome such historical objects back home.

The djidji ayokw is expected to be permanently displayed in a new museum currently under construction in Abidjan, the commercial capital of Ivory Coast. This return is part of France's broader initiative to return hundreds of artifacts to African nations, responding to growing demands for restitution from former colonies, including Algeria, Mali, and Benin.