m. on March 13. The drum was handed over in Paris after removal from the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum.
It is 4 meters long, weighs 430kg, and is hourglass-shaped. Historically, the drum was used by the Ebrié people for communication and as a symbol of resistance. It was looted by French colonial authorities in 1916, confiscated after villagers resisted forced labor.
The exact identities or roles of the French colonial authorities who looted the drum in 1916 remain unknown, as does what specific forced labor the villagers were resisting in 1916 that led to the drum's confiscation. French President Emmanuel Macron promised the drum's return in 2021, and the return process took four years of discussions and parliamentary approval. The specific timeline or details of the four-year discussions and parliamentary approval process for the return are not fully detailed.
This is a historic day for Côte d'Ivoire.
' A ceremony featured traditional dance. The drum is expected to be permanently installed at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d'Ivoire in April. UNESCO is donating $100,000 for museum research and training.
According to Sylvie Memel Kassi, eight other objects are under study for restitution. The identities or descriptions of the eight other objects under study for restitution are not specified. The current condition or preservation status of the drum after its return is also unknown.
The restitution marks a significant step in addressing colonial-era injustices, with cultural experts noting its importance for heritage reclamation. The event drew international attention, highlighting ongoing global efforts to repatriate looted artifacts. Future plans include educational programs at the museum to contextualize the drum's history.
Discussions continue on broader restitution policies between France and former colonies, with potential implications for other cultural items.