A striking traditional West African 14-key xylophone, of the gyil/balafon family, constructed with individually shaped wooden keys suspended above natural calabash resonators.
The 14-key arrangement and distinctive gourd-resonator construction are characteristic of the traditional gyil, an instrument particularly associated with communities of northern Ghana, Burkina Faso and neighbouring regions.
The instrument is entirely constructed using traditional materials and techniques, with the wooden frame, gourds and keys secured by extensive natural cord lashings and hide.
2 wooden beaters that are possibly later replacements
A wonderfully tactile and primitive piece of West African musical craftsmanship.
A particularly unusual piece, equally suited to an ethnographic collection, musical-instrument collection or as a striking decorative display piece.
Height 52cm
Width 100cm
Depth 60cm
