Musée de la Musique de Ouagadougou - West Africa
Area of Expertise: Global Instrument History, Other, World Flute Traditions
Institution / Organization: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism of Burkina Faso
: Other
: Burkina Faso’s balafon practices, represented in the collection, are recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Collection type: Museum Collection
Public Access: Open to the public (on-site only)
ABOUT THIS COLLECTION
Founded in 1999, the Musée de la Musique de Ouagadougou (National Museum of Music of Burkina Faso) preserves and celebrates the country’s diverse musical heritage. The museum houses instruments from nearly all of Burkina Faso’s ethnic groups, showcasing the craftsmanship and traditions that define its cultural identity. Its collections span aerophones, idiophones, membranophones, and chordophones, highlighting the deep connections between music and daily life in West Africa.
Flute Highlights:
Traditional Burkinabé flutes representing multiple ethnic traditions.
Examples of aerophones used in ceremonial, ritual, and pastoral contexts.
Displays illustrating the role of flutes within ensembles alongside drums, strings, and voices.