Xalam, also called khalam, is a traditional stringed musical instrument from West Africa. The xalam is thought to have originated from modern-day Mali, but some believe that, in antiquity, the instrument may have originated from ancient Egypt.
The xalam, in its standard form, is a simple lute with one to five strings. The wooden body (soundbox) of the instrument is oval-shaped and covered with the hide of cattle. The strings of the xalam are typically made of nylon; these strings are fixed to the instrument's wooden neck by leather rings. By moving these rings, the instrument's tune can be adjusted.
The xalam is commonly played in Mali and Senegal; it is also known by the local names bappe, diassare, hoddu, koni, kontnig, molo, ndere, ngoni, and tidinit.
