France Returns the Djidji Ayôkwé Talking Drum to Côte d'Ivoire After Over a Century

On February 20, 2026, France officially returned the Djidji Ayôkwé talking drum to Côte d'Ivoire in a landmark restitution ceremony at the Musée du quai Branly in Paris. The drum, measuring approximately 3.5 meters long and weighing 430 kilograms, was taken by French colonial authorities in 1916 from the village of Adjamé, a cultural symbol of the Ebrie people used to convey ritual messages and warnings, particularly during periods of forced recruitment.

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati described the return as a "historic event" and highlighted the exemplary cooperation between France and Côte d'Ivoire that made this restitution possible. She emphasized the significance of this act as a step forward in correcting historical injustices. Meanwhile, Françoise Remarck, Ivory Coast's Culture Minister, expressed deep emotion and noted that the return represented "a victory of dialogue over silence," underscoring its importance as a symbol of her country's cultural heritage.

This restitution follows a unanimous approval by the French Parliament in 2025 to declassify such cultural objects, aligned with President Emmanuel Macron's 2021 commitment to returning African cultural artifacts. The Djidji Ayôkwé is the first among 148 cultural items requested by Côte d'Ivoire to be returned. The drum will be exhibited at the Museum of Civilizations in Côte d'Ivoire, currently being renovated.

The event marks a significant moment in Franco-Ivorian relations and cultural diplomacy, symbolizing renewed respect and collaboration over shared cultural heritage.