What is kora?

The kora is a long-necked harp lute with 21-25 strings, native to West Africa. It's primarily used by the Mandinka people of Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.

The kora is traditionally played by griots (also known as jali in Mandinka), who are historians, genealogists, and storytellers. The instrument is constructed from a large calabash gourd cut in half and covered with cow skin to create a resonator. A long hardwood neck passes through the gourd, and the strings are attached to this neck.

Playing the kora involves using the thumb and index finger of both hands to pluck the strings. The instrument's sound is often described as having a harp-like quality. It is often used as accompaniment to singing, telling stories, and reciting oral histories.

Important aspects of the kora include:

• Its role in Mandinka%20culture
• The art of griots (or jali)
• The construction of the instrument itself
• Its musical%20style and performance context.