Cultural dynamics and innovations in the construction of the gyil xylophone in Ghana
a focus on Christopher Doozie
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21504/amj.v13i1.2757Keywords:
Ghana, Cultural dynamics, Dagara, gyil, Christopher DoozieAbstract
This paper investigates the impact of Western factory methods on the construction of the Dagara gyil (plural gyile) xylophone and how this has contributed to the secularisation and commercialisation of this otherwise traditional musical instrument for use in educational settings and the international tourism market. The paper focuses on Christopher Doozie, a prominent gyil maker in Accra, Ghana. It discusses how his production methods and innovations in the construction of the gyil not only transcend traditional methods but have also led to particular cultural disruptions. On the whole, the paper evaluates the broader impact of Doozie’s innovations in relation to the gyil as a musical instrument specific to Dagara culture, on the one hand, and as an emerging global instrument on the other. The paper is based on ethnographic research conducted from 2018 to 2021 and from 2022 to 2025.
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