Subjects:
Cultural practices and expressions linked to Balafon and Kolintang in Mali, Burkina Faso, C么te d'Ivoire and Indonesia (Mali, Burkina Faso, C么te d鈥橧voire, Indonesia)
Language:
The balafon (in Mali, Burkina Faso and C么te d鈥橧voire) and kolintang (in Indonesia) refer to a set of wooden xylophones of different lengths. The Indonesian and West African instruments share similarities in material, shapes, keys, functions, transmission processes and values. They are believed to represent mutual respect and tolerance and promote unity and peaceful and harmonious living. To its bearers and practitioners, kolintang promotes dialogue and understanding, and its existence is a symbol of respect for cultural diversity.