In a historic move, France has returned a looted sacred talking drum to Ivory Coast, marking the first official restitution of precious artifacts from France to the West African nation. The drum, known as the ‘Boigny’ after the country’s first president, was returned on July 23rd, 2021, during a special ceremony in Abidjan.
The talking drum, an important symbol of the Ivory Coast’s cultural heritage, was taken during the colonial era and has been on display at the Quai Branly museum in Paris for several decades. Its return is a significant step towards rectifying the wrongs of the past and promoting cultural reconciliation between France and the Ivory Coast.
The ceremony was attended by high-level government officials from both countries, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara. Speaking at the event, President Macron stated, “It’s a gesture of friendship and recognition of the harm that was done in the past. It’s part of a new relationship between France and Africa founded on respect, truth, and dialogue.”
The return of the Boigny drum is part of a broader effort by France to return stolen artifacts to their countries of origin. In 2018, President Macron announced a plan to repatriate African artifacts held in French museums, stating that “Africa’s heritage cannot be held hostage in European museums. African heritage must be highlighted in Paris, but also in Dakar, Lagos, and Cotonou.”
The return of the Boigny drum has been welcomed by the people and government of Ivory Coast as a historic moment. During the ceremony, President Ouattara expressed his gratitude to France for acknowledging the harm done during the colonial era and taking steps towards restitution. He also highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting the country’s cultural heritage, stating, “Our duty is to conserve, protect, and enhance our cultural heritage. It’s our identity and our pride.”
The Boigny drum is just one of the many cultural artifacts that were looted from African nations during the colonial era. These artifacts not only hold great historical and cultural significance but also have a deep spiritual meaning for the people of Africa. Their return is not just about reclaiming stolen objects, but also about reclaiming a part of their identity and heritage.
France’s decision to return the Boigny drum sends a powerful message to the international community. It shows that the country is willing to take responsibility for its past actions and work towards building a more equitable and respectful relationship with Africa. It also sets an example for other nations to follow and encourages them to initiate discussions about the restitution of cultural artifacts.
The return of the Boigny drum is a victory for the people of the Ivory Coast and a step towards healing the wounds of the past. It is also a reminder to the world of the need to address the ongoing issue of cultural imperialism and the looting of African artifacts. As we move towards a more interconnected and globalized world, it is essential to acknowledge and respect the diverse cultural heritage of all nations.
The return of the Boigny drum is a positive step towards cultural reconciliation between France and the Ivory Coast. It shows that despite the painful history, both nations are willing to move towards a more harmonious relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. Let us hope that this restitution is just the beginning of many more to come, paving the way for a brighter future for all.
