The Return of the Djidji Ayôkwé Talking Drum
French lawmakers have unanimously passed a new piece of legislation that paves the way for the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé talking drum to Côte d’Ivoire. This significant cultural artifact was taken from the Ebrié tribe by French colonial forces in 1916, marking one of many objects looted during France’s colonial era, which spanned from the 16th century to the early 20th century.
The Djidji Ayôkwé is a remarkable instrument, measuring three meters in length and weighing 430 kilograms. It was traditionally used by the Atchan people as a communication tool, allowing messages to be transmitted across vast distances. Its sound could travel up to 20 kilometers, making it an essential means of organizing gatherings or issuing warnings in times of danger.
In 1916, when Atchan villagers refused to participate in road construction projects connecting Abidjan to Abobo, colonial authorities retaliated by seizing the drum. It was then displayed at the Trocadéro Museum near the Eiffel Tower from 1922, and later moved to the Quai Branly Museum, where it was restored. However, it has remained in storage, waiting for its return ever since.
A Long and Complex Process
The Djidji Ayôkwé is one of 148 items claimed by Abidjan, which submitted an official restitution request in 2019. Two years later, President Emmanuel Macron pledged to return these artifacts, but the process has been slow. The main obstacle lies in the legal framework that protects France’s public collections.
According to Vincent Negri, a researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and an expert in international cultural and heritage law, public collections are considered state property under strict legal protections. These protections include inalienability and imprescriptibility, meaning they cannot be transferred without specific legal exemptions.
The recently passed legislation allows the Djidji Ayôkwé to be removed from France’s public collections through an exemption clause. This marks a critical step in the broader movement for the restitution of African art and cultural artifacts held in European museums.
Challenges in Restitution Efforts
France lacks a comprehensive legal framework for handling the return of colonial-era artifacts. As a result, each restitution requires individual legislation. This approach has been followed in cases such as the return of the 26 treasures of Abomey to Benin in 2021 and the El Hadj Omar’s sabre to Senegal in 2019.
In 2023, two such laws were enacted—one addressing goods stolen from Jewish families during World War II and another concerning human remains held in public collections. However, the lack of a unified legislative framework has led to delays, causing France to lag behind other nations in restitution efforts.
Negri notes that while the Sarr-Savoy report, submitted to the president in 2018, aimed to set a global precedent for restitution, its impact has been more pronounced outside France. Countries like Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland have made progress in developing policies and frameworks for returning looted artifacts, while France continues to face political and legislative challenges.
A Symbol of Resistance and Liberation
The newly passed legislation mandates that the Djidji Ayôkwé be returned to Côte d’Ivoire within one year. Maurice Kouakou Bandaman, the Ivorian ambassador to France, welcomed the decision, emphasizing the significance of recognizing the historical wrongs committed against the Bidjan and Ebrié peoples.
He described the drum not just as an object but as a symbol of resistance. “A resistance fighter was captured, kidnapped, and has been held captive for a century,” he said. “This is a liberation.”
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé represents more than just a legal victory—it is a moment of cultural and historical reconciliation. It highlights the ongoing efforts to address the legacy of colonialism and the importance of repatriating artifacts that hold deep cultural significance for their communities of origin.
