US EditionFrance Returns Sacred Talking Drum Looted in 1916 to Ivory Coast
The Djidji Ayêkwê drum, weighing 950 pounds, was returned after French law changes and consultations with Atchan leaders to restore cultural heritage.
- A 'talking drum' looted from Ivory Coast more than a century ago was returned to the country by former colonial power France.
- The drum, known as 'Djidji Ayokwé' and weighing nearly 400 kg, was used by the Atchan people to alert locals about forced labor and mobilize fighters.
- The return of the talking drum was welcomed by traditional chiefs and members of the Ebrié community as a source of joy and a reclamation of their identity.
41 Articles
41 Articles
France on Friday returned to Ivory Coast the stolen sacred talking drum of Djidji Ayôkwé after 110 years. It was confiscated by the French colonial administration in 1916. In recent years, it was housed in the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris.
An Ethiopian national linked to armed militia FANO deported by ICE
First, an Ethiopian national is deported from the US after American Immigration Services says he's linked to the Ethiopian paramilitary movement Fano. Also, the Republic of Congo is about to head to the polls. President Denis Sassou Nguesso promised new infrastructure upgrades but many are still struggling to get access to running water. Finally, a sacred talking drum returns to Ivory Coast, more than a century after being looted by the French d…
Wearing traditional robes, crowns and gold chains, Ivorian officials gathered at Ivory Coast's main airport on Friday to welcome back a "talking drum" that was stolen more than a century ago, the first artifact to be returned to the West African country by former colonial power France.
The sacred drum of Djidji Ayôkwé is back home after hundreds of years.
This move is part of a broader process of returning cultural artifacts to African countries that began in 2017.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
