The gyile, or gyil (pron. jee-lee), is a pentatonic gourd-resonated xylophone found among the Dagara, Lobi, Sisaala, and neighboring peoples of northern Ghana and southern Burkina Faso.
This version features 8 keys and has a traditional pentatonic tuning. Underneath each key are gourds, but which lack the mirlitons that emit the characteristic "buzz" when the instrument is played.
Dimensions: 22" l., 14" w., 11" h.
For examples of the instrument in play, see the following videos (www.youtube.com): "Gyile, Xylo - 'Sisala' from Northern Ghana by Owuo"; "Ghanaian Gyil Duet - Bobojilasso"; offers "Aaron Bebe Gyil Solo"; "Ganda Yina"; "Yichir Maal playing Gyil - Ghana 2008"; "Alfred Kpebesanne, Xylophone Player from Ghana"; "Search for the Spiderweb."
Product code: West African offers gourd-resonated xylophone (gyile)