koras
The koras, or kora (singular), are a West African stringed instrument of the lute-bridge-harp family. They are closely associated with the jeli or griot tradition and are prominent in the Mande-speaking regions of Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, and neighboring areas. The kora serves both musical and narrative roles, accompanying praise singing, genealogies, and oral histories.
Construction and design: A typical kora consists of a long wooden neck connected to a large calabash
Playing technique and repertoire: The instrument is plucked with the thumbs and forefingers of both hands.
History and cultural context: The kora is rooted in Mande musical culture and the jeli caste, with
Notable players: Prominent contemporary korists include Toumani Diabaté, Ballaké Sissoko, and Seckou Keita, among others, who
See also: Kora (instrument), Jeli, Griot, West African music.