The Djidji Ayokwe, a sacred "talking drum" of the Atchan people, was unveiled to the public Friday as part of Cote d’Ivoire’s 66th independence celebrations.

The monumental drum, a symbol of resistance for the Atchan people, was seized by French colonial authorities in 1916 and repatriated earlier this year. It made its first major public appearance since its return, encased in glass on a float as a centerpiece of the National Day festivities before being taken to Adjame, the ancestral land of the Atchan people, where it was presented to traditional chiefs and their villages.

Cote d'Ivoire's Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Francoise Remarck, presided over the presentation ceremony.

"Djidji Ayokwe is a national heritage because beyond its origin and the fact that it comes from the Bidjan people, it represents universal values of social cohesion, unity and coming together, and that is what we also celebrated on the 66th anniversary of our independence. We had the opportunity to present it on its own land, the Adjame lands, with a traditional ceremony that will now allow it to join the Museum of Civilizations," she said.

Soumahoro Farikou, mayor of Adjame, said the drum's return carries a profound message.

"His return among us reminds us of an essential truth: the development of a nation cannot be built without the preservation of its memory and the enhancement of its heritage. May this stopover be a moment of communion between generations, a celebration of our common identity, and a call to pass on to the youngest the riches of our history," he said.

Following its presentation, the Djidji Ayokwe will be housed at the Museum of Civilizations of Cote d'Ivoire, where it is expected to attract more visitors, boost museum revenue, strengthen international cultural cooperation, and serve as an educational tool for present and future generations.