Which instrument is a wooden xylophone with historical significance in Mali, particularly during the 16th century?

The balafon is indeed a wooden xylophone that holds historical significance in Mali, especially during the 16th century. This percussion instrument is made of wooden bars that are struck with mallets, and it often features gourd resonators underneath the bars to amplify its sound. The balafon is deeply rooted in West African musical traditions and has been used in various cultural performances, ceremonies, and celebrations. Its prominence in Mali's music history highlights how traditional instruments have played a central role in the region's cultural identity and social gatherings.

In contrast, while the sanza, marimba, and kalimba are also musical instruments with distinct characteristics, they do not share the same historical context in Mali during the 16th century as the balafon. The sanza, often referred to as a thumb piano, originates from various regions in Africa but is not specifically tied to the historical narrative of Mali. The marimba is similar to the balafon but is more associated with Central and South America, particularly in Guatemala, and the kalimba is a different type of thumb piano with origins in southern Africa, making them less relevant to the specific historical significance mentioned in the question.