The talking drum, Djidji Ayôkwé, has recently been repatriated from France to the Ivory Coast, marking an important cultural milestone for the Bidjan community that has awaited its return for over a century. The official ceremony took place at the Quai Branly museum in Paris, where the drum had been kept, and it included traditional rites performed by five leaders from the Bidjan community, dressed in their cultural attire.

During the ceremony, the community leaders performed rituals in the ebrié language, circling the drum and invoking their ancestors for permission to reclaim the sacred artifact. The drum itself is carved from wood and adorned with leopard motifs, symbolizing strength and heritage, and its return is not merely a physical relocation but a revitalization of cultural identity for the Bidjan people. Louis Jacques Gouédan, one of the cultural leaders, emphasized the importance of this event as a moment to seek forgiveness from their ancestors and to reconnect with their heritage.

This event reflects broader themes of cultural restitution and the significance of returning historical artifacts to their places of origin, fostering a sense of identity and community among cultures that have experienced dislocation. The return of Djidji Ayôkwé is anticipated to have lasting implications for the Bidjan community and the overarching narrative of cultural preservation in Ivory Coast, providing a renewed sense of belonging to the people who have long awaited its return.