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France to Return Djidji Ayôkwé Talking Drum to Côte d'Ivoire
The Djidji Ayôkwé talking drum, seized by French colonial authorities in 1916, will be returned to Côte d'Ivoire following a vote in the French National Assembly; this repatriation is the first of 148 objects Côte d'Ivoire seeks from France, highlighting France's slow progress on broader restitution efforts.
- What is the significance of the Djidji Ayôkwé talking drum's return to Côte d'Ivoire, and what immediate impacts does it represent?
- After a vote in the French National Assembly, the Djidji Ayôkwé talking drum, seized by colonial authorities in 1916, will be returned to Côte d'Ivoire. This three-meter-long, 430kg sacred instrument, used for transmitting ritual messages, was sent to France in 1929. Its restitution follows a 2021 commitment by President Macron.
- What are the underlying challenges and potential future impacts of France's approach to artifact repatriation, and what critical perspectives exist regarding the process?
- France's slow progress in repatriating artifacts is highlighted by this event. Only 27 items have been returned since a 2020 law, lagging behind countries like Germany. The absence of a framework law to streamline the process further impedes progress, although a draft is under review, facing scrutiny over its justification for overriding the principle of inalienability of public collections.
- What broader context or implications does the repatriation of this single artifact have within the larger debate surrounding the restitution of African cultural heritage?
- The drum's return fulfills a promise made by French President Emmanuel Macron and addresses Côte d'Ivoire's 2019 official request, though local communities have sought its return since independence. This repatriation is the first of 148 artifacts Côte d'Ivoire seeks from France, symbolizing the larger movement for the return of cultural artifacts.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story primarily around the return of the drum, highlighting the French government's commitment and the symbolic importance of the event. While it mentions the slow pace of repatriation in France, this aspect is presented more as a secondary critique rather than a central theme. The headline and introductory paragraphs emphasize the positive aspects of the restitution, which could shape the reader's interpretation towards a more positive view of the French government's actions.
Language Bias
The article generally maintains a neutral tone, using factual language and avoiding overtly emotional or biased terms. However, phrases such as "extorsion commise à l'époque coloniale" (extortion committed during the colonial era) and "la lenteur du processus français" (slowness of the French process) carry a slightly negative connotation. While these are accurate descriptions, using more neutral phrasing might strengthen the article's objectivity.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the return of the Djidji Ayôkwé drum and the French government's response, but it omits details about the broader context of French colonial history and its impact on Ivorian culture. While it mentions a list of 148 works requested for restitution, it doesn't elaborate on the nature of these works or the progress on their return. The article also lacks diverse perspectives from Ivorian citizens beyond the quoted individuals. The omission of a wider range of Ivorian voices and a deeper exploration of the historical context might leave the reader with an incomplete understanding of the complexities surrounding repatriation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the French government's recognition of past injustices and its slow progress on repatriation. While it acknowledges both aspects, it doesn't fully explore the nuances of the political and bureaucratic processes involved, or the various arguments for and against a faster pace of restitution. This framing might oversimplify a complex issue.
Gender Bias
The article features both male and female experts, with no apparent gender bias in terms of sourcing. However, it predominantly focuses on the political aspects of the restitution process rather than the cultural or historical aspects, which might unintentionally marginalize the lived experiences and perspectives of women.
Sustainable Development Goals
The repatriation of the Djidji Ayôkwé drum symbolizes a step towards reconciliation and restorative justice for the historical injustices of colonialism. The act acknowledges past harms and promotes a more equitable relationship between France and Côte dIvoire. The process, while slow, demonstrates a commitment to addressing past wrongs and building stronger institutional relationships based on mutual respect.