The kora is the West African harp or lute.
The base of the kora is a semi-circular bowl made from a calabash (gourd). From this base, a straight hard wooden neck extends. The calabash acts as a resonance chamber, with its opening covered by calf or goatskin. The traditional kora has a total of twenty-one nylon strings individually attached to the pole by means of leather rings. Those strings are split in two rows, eleven on the left and ten on the right.
The kora is tuned by moving the leather rings up or down. Between the calabash and its leather covering, is a frame made of three sticks, two parallel to the neck and one perpendicular to it. They are held tightly in place by the leather and are used to hold up the instrument, with its base resting on the abdomen of the player while playing. The Kora is held with the strings facing the player, and is played with both thumbs and index fingers in tandem.
The origin of the kora can be traced to Gambia and Guinea-Bissau (West Africa), but has been widely used in the Guinea, Mali, and Senegal area for centuries.
It is usually played as a solo accompaniment to singers and was first played in the Mandingo Royal Courts.
According to Toumani Diabate, Djeli Madi Woulen Diabate was the 1st Kora player, at that time, The Kora which originally had 22 strings ended up with only 21.
One string got removed in memory of Djeli Madi Woulen, leaving 1 empty leather ring on the pole as a tradition.
This version originates from Guinea (west Africa).
There are various tuning scales used for the Kora depending on the country, region, or families that play them. The most common tuning scale are Tomora, Silaba, and Sawta. (See diagram below for the most common tunning: Silaba)
All musical instruments are authentic pieces imported directly from west Africa
(Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone.). The craftsmen who create them are descended from families who have produced the same artefacts from generations. They have mastered the techniques of selecting materials and building instruments through the years. Hear for yourself the unique sound that first echoed through Africa and now the world
