Dogon Balafon Players

A couple playing  playing the balafon, a xylophone-like musical instrument made of wooden slats atop of gourd resonators. According to Mali's oral tradition, a balafokn player and his beautiful accomplice - were crucial in defeating the evil Soso kingdom and its king Soumaworo. The sister of Mali's ruler named Sologon together with the court balafob player  Bala Fasséké Kouyaté  went to the enemy King undercover. Through Sologon's beauty and Kouyaté's masterful balafon playing, they discovered the source of King Soumaworo's secret powers. Sologon's brother used the information to defeat the evil king in battle. Victorious king presented the musician with the defeated  king's balafon.  Given that balafons are typically played by one individual, the association of two figures with this instrument may be a reference to Sologon and Bala Fasséké Kouyaté, and their important contribution to the region's history.  Visit this couple at our Museum Site and Learn More This mask was featured in