Which exotic culture influenced Debussy's compositional choices in Voiles?

Debussy's compositional choices in "Voiles" were significantly influenced by Indonesian gamelan music. He was captivated by the unique scales, rhythms, and textures found in gamelan, which encouraged him to explore new harmonic structures and timbres. This influence is evident in the piece's use of whole-tone scales and unconventional harmonic progressions, reflecting a departure from traditional Western music conventions. Additionally, Debussy's fascination with the exoticism of non-Western cultures played a vital role in shaping the impressionistic qualities of his work.