To recycle an empty oil can, there are several things that the discarded can be used for, but not to be converted into a guitar. From Southern Africa, amongst the Khoi-Khoi, came out a unique musical instrument called the Ramkie guitar.

During the 18th century, the pastoral tribe living in the Cape of Good Hope known as Khoi-Khoi (or Khoe),  (meaning: “men of men” or “the real people”) were the creators of the ramkie guitar. The date Ramike was created is unknown. It is believed that the Khoes developed this unique type of guitar based on the guitar the slaves from the Malabar Coast of India brought to their land.

Initially, this traditional guitar, which the Khoes also called “blik kitaar,” was made from a gourd, with a bridge or neck and strings for strumming. Over the years, the ramike guitar has evolved, the gourd replaced with a discarded oil can, the neck, a long wood, and the strings from fishing wire. At the top of the cap, there are two openings. One is circular, and the other is big enough for the long wooden neck to be inserted into the can. Then, three or four strings are attached from the long wooden neck to the oil can.

The sounds from the ramike guitar which has now earned the name African Oil Can guitar based on the modern adjustments, are not necessarily melodious but definitely for chord-playing. In addition to its modern outlook, the ramike guitar body is painted with South African flag colors.

In more recent times, in the 2000s, late luthier and guitarist Graeme Wells improved on the existing ramike and developed the Township Oil Can professional guitar. An electric pickup which was designed and added to create a notable rock and classical blues tone while still maintaining a unique and historical "Township” ‘timbre’.

The older model of the ramike guitar has taken a souvenir role as a musical instrument for tourists in South Africa. Meanwhile, the newest model has found its place in modern music globally -- from the Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert London, to other prominent music stages.

The African Oil Can guitar can be found across other Southern African states such as Zambia, Namibia, Malawi, and Botswana.

Here's to the Ramkie guitar – a true gem in the world of musical instruments.

this traditional guitar, which the Khoes also called “blik kitaar,” was made from a gourd, with a bridge or neck and strings for strumming.

The Ramkie guitar - from Gourd to Oil Can

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