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Côte d’Ivoire Celebrates Return of Sacred Drum After Century

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 13, 2026, Côte d’Ivoire celebrated the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum looted in 1916.
The drum arrived at Abidjan's airport.
Culture Minister Françoise Remarck described the event as a moment of justice and remembrance.
The drum will be installed at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire in April.
UNESCO contributed $100,000 for research and training and is coordinating discussions for eight additional artifacts.

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Story summary

On March 13, 2026, Côte d’Ivoire celebrated the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum looted in 1916.
The drum arrived at Abidjan's airport.
Culture Minister Françoise Remarck described the event as a moment of justice and remembrance.
The drum will be installed at the Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire in April.
UNESCO contributed $100,000 for research and training and is coordinating discussions for eight additional artifacts.