The balafon (also known as balaphon) is an African xylophone found in many parts of Africa and is tuned to pentatonic or heptatonic scales depending on its region of origin. It consists of a wooden structure made from bound timbers, with wooden keys under which hang gourd resonators. The holes pierced in the gourds are covered with mirliton-style vibrating membranes.
The keys of our balafons are made from hard wood - generally rosewood (gueni) - then dried in a traditional oven to ensure the stability of their tone over time.
Our collection of balafons originates from Burkina Faso, Mali, or Guinea. They are crafted by artisans whose traditional skills have been passed down through generations from father to son.
