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 gourd that acts as a resonator, covered with hides. It has 21 strings in total, usually arranged as 11 melody strings and 10 drone strings. The strings pass over a wooden bridge and are tuned with anchors at the neck. The instrument combines features of a harp and a lute, enabling polyphonic playing and intricate interlocking melodies.

Playing technique and repertoire: The instrument is plucked with the thumbs and forefingers of both hands. The right hand generally handles the higher-pitched melody strings, while the left hand manages the bass and drone strings, allowing the player to produce a sustained, interwoven musical texture. Traditional repertoires include praise songs, genealogies, and histories, performed in social and ceremonial contexts. In modern times, the kora appears in ensembles and cross-genre collaborations, spanning jazz, world music, and contemporary pop.

History and cultural context: The kora is rooted in Mande musical culture and the jeli caste, with origins dating back several centuries in the Mali and Senegal region. It has become a symbol of West African musical identity and has influenced many musicians worldwide.

Notable players: Prominent contemporary korists include Toumani Diabaté, Ballaké Sissoko, and Seckou Keita, among others, who have helped bring the instrument to international attention.

See also: Kora (instrument), Jeli, Griot, West African music.