balafons

Balafons are traditional wooden xylophones from West Africa, with the plural form balafons used to refer to instruments of this family. They are closely associated with Mandé-speaking communities in countries such as Mali, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Burkina Faso. In many regions, the balafon occupies a central role in griot or jeli culture, accompanying songs, epic narratives, and ceremonial occasions.

Construction and design: A balafon typically consists of a row of wooden keys or slats that are struck with mallets. The keys are mounted on a wooden frame and positioned over resonators, usually round gourds or calabashes, which amplify the sound. The keys are carved from hardwoods like sipo or iroko and are tuned to a specific scale, commonly pentatonic or diatonic depending on regional tradition. Tuning is achieved through the dimensions of the keys and the size and placement of the resonators; in some instruments, adjustable gourds or cords aid in fine tuning. Modern balafons may incorporate synthetic resonators or contemporary hardware while preserving traditional construction.

Playing and repertoire: Balafons are played with soft, padded mallets, typically using both hands to articulate melodies. In traditional settings, players perform within ensembles led by a griot or in accompaniment to singing and dancing. Beyond regional use, balafons have entered world music contexts, where they are integrated into orchestras and fusion genres while retaining their characteristic bright, resonant timbre.

See also: Xylophone, West African music, Griot.