Summary
France returned a sacred drum, known as the Djidji Ayôkwé, to Ivory Coast. The drum was taken during colonial rule and had been in French museums since 1916. This event is part of France's ongoing efforts to return cultural items to African countries.
Key Facts
- The "talking drum" was used by the Ebrié community in Ivory Coast to send messages and summon people.
- French colonial authorities took the drum in 1916 and displayed it in France.
- The drum is over 3 meters long and weighs about 430 kilograms.
- France returned the drum on a specially chartered plane to Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
- The return is part of a process started in 2017 to repatriate African cultural objects.
- France's parliament passed a law to return the drum and other artefacts taken during colonial times.
- Ivory Coast seeks the return of 148 cultural items from France and other countries.
- France has already returned other cultural treasures to countries like Benin and Senegal.
