In close collaboration with the Museum of Civilizations in Côte d'Ivoire, a provenance research and a conservation-restoration protocol have been implemented for the slit drum of the Atchan people, confiscated in 1916 in Adjamé by the French colonial authorities.
Talking drum of the Atchan community
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Its restitution from France was officially requested by the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire in 2019.
The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, confirmed that the drum was to be returned at the Africa-France summit held in Montpellier on 8 October 2021.
On November 18, 2024, Emmanuel Kasarhérou, president of the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, signed a deposit agreement alongside Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture of the French Republic, and Françoise Remarck, Minister of Culture and Francophonie of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, allowing for the temporary return of the talking drum. A law passed by the French Parliament on July 16, 2025, authorized the return of the drum, which is to take place by July 16, 2026.