This is an accordion brought into the valley by the cogneins who emigrated to nearby France in search of work. Over the years, the “lou clavacin” has carved out a role for itself as the instrument used to liven up the singing and dancing during feast days and celebrations in Cogne, so much so that it has become the typical instrument associated with the village.
Cogne is the only place in Valle d’Aosta where people play the typically French chromatic accordion, which is very different from the more common, more popular piano accordion. Proof of the importance that “lou clavacin“ has acquired in Cogne is provided by the fact that a large number of young people today continue studying this difficult, demanding instrument; each spring, the community hosts the “Feta di clavacin“, during which over 60 accordionists from the village show off their musical skills and devotion to the instrument.