Historic "Talking Drum" Returns Home After 110 Years in France

A sacred drum, looted during the colonial era, has finally returned to Côte d'Ivoire. It is the first artifact France has officially repatriated to the West African nation. The drum, named "Djidji Ayôkwé," arrived in the economic capital Abidjan on Friday. French colonial forces took it in 1913. The drum is known as a "talking drum." Skilled players mimic the tonal patterns of language to send complex messages over long distances. The Djidji Ayôkwé was historically used to warn villages and call people to important events. After a required period of acclimatization to stabilize it in the new environment, the drum will go on public display. It will be featured at the Museum of Civilizations in Abidjan starting in April.