Côte d’Ivoire marked a historic moment with the return of the sacred talking drum Djidji Ayôkwé after more than a century in France.

The drum, a powerful symbol of the Atchan people, was received by officials and traditional rulers upon arrival at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan.

Authorities and cultural leaders gathered to welcome the artifact, celebrating its return to the country.

Speaking at the airport, the Ivorian Minister of Culture described the return of the sacred drum as a historic day for Côte d’Ivoire.