The intangible side of tangible objects: Marimba making from Bagamoyo to Germany

Abstract

The box-resonated, pentatonic marimba, once called “Kizaramo Marimba” by Graham Hyslop, which can be found along the coastal area in Tanzania is a good example of living heritage in the African xylophone landscape. At first glance it may appear unspectacular, but when seeing it being produced, or in action, or when tracing its history and development, one experiences a dimension in which the intangible and the tangible merge and influence each other. The modifications made on this instrument over the last 60 years are an expression of human beings’ demand for continuity, on the one hand, and their openness to innovation, which pays attention to new situations, and availability of materials on the other hand. Musical instruments, as will be shown, not only produce sounds, but—as is normal for man-made objects—have biographies and stories to tell.