France has returned a looted colonial-era talking drum, the Djidji Ayokwe, to Côte d'Ivoire as part of its efforts to repatriate stolen artifacts to Africa.
In a significant move towards addressing colonial injustices, France has handed over the Djidji Ayokwe, a traditional 'talking drum,' to Côte d'Ivoire. This drum, looted by colonial troops over a century ago in 1916, holds cultural importance for the Ebrie tribe, who used it to convey messages. The return of this drum forms part of a broader initiative by France to repatriate numerous artifacts taken during its colonial rule, responding to ongoing calls for restitution from African nations.
The Djidji Ayokwe drum is notable for its considerable size, measuring over three meters long and weighing approximately 430 kilos. Its return is emblematic of the larger momentum building around the repatriation of cultural heritage pieces, as France acknowledges its historical wrongdoing during colonial times. The French government has already recognized the need for redress by facilitating a path for the return of these significant cultural items.
Legislative action in France has paved the way for mass repatriation efforts, with French MPs passing a law last July that received unanimous support in the Senate. This development signifies a shift in France's stance towards its colonial past, marking a historic turning point in cultural diplomacy and the relationship between France and its former African colonies.
