French colonial legacy of cultural plunder and erasure: Restitution of sacred talking drum highlights systemic issues in post-colonial relations
Original framing: “France returns sacred talking drum looted from Côte d’Ivoire over 100 years ago” — The Guardian - World
The colonial legacy of cultural plunder and erasure is a recurring theme in the history of French colonialism in Africa. The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé is a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing these historical injustices, but it also raises questions about the ongoing impact of colonialism on cultural heritage and identity.
The return of the Djidji Ayôkwé to Côte d'Ivoire highlights the ongoing impact of colonialism on cultural heritage and identity.
France's colonial legacy of cultural plunder and erasure is a recurring theme in the history of French colonialism in Africa. The return of this drum is a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing these historical injustices, but it also raises questions about the ongoing impact of colonialism on cultural heritage and identity. To address these issues, France should establish a reparations commission, develop a decolonial museum policy, and support indigenous cultural revitalization efforts in Côte d'Ivoire.