kora (instrument)

kora (instrument)
Name	Kora
Background	string
Classification	Chordophone
Hornbostel sachs	321.2
Developed	West Africa

kora (instrument). The kora is a traditional West African string instrument, classified as a bridge-harp or harp-lute. It features a large calabash gourd resonator covered with cowhide, a long hardwood neck, and typically 21 strings that are plucked with the thumbs and forefingers. The instrument is central to the musical traditions of the Mandé peoples, particularly among griots (hereditary musician-historians) in countries like Gambia, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau.

Description and construction

The instrument's body consists of a large, hemispherical calabash cut in half and covered with a soundtable of taut cowhide, secured by decorative metal tacks. A long, cylindrical hardwood neck, often made from *Cordyla africana* or *Guibourtia ehie*, pierces the gourd. Two parallel rows of bridge pins run along the neck, supporting 21 nylon strings, though historical versions used antelope hide strings. The strings are anchored at the base of the neck and pass over a tall, notched bridge standing on the hide soundtable, which transmits vibrations. Decorative elements often include a metal jingle on the bridge and elaborate carvings or brass inlays on the neck.

History and origins

The instrument's origins are deeply entwined with the Mandé empires of West Africa, particularly the Mali Empire and the Kaabu federation. Oral histories, such as those preserved by griots, often trace its invention to legendary figures from the 13th century in the Kansala region. Its development is linked to the Sundiata epic and the cultural patronage of the Malian court. The modern 21-string configuration is widely attributed to innovations by Mandinka griots in Gambia and Casamance during the 19th century.

Playing technique and musical role

The player sits, balancing the instrument upright, and plucks the strings with the thumbs and index fingers of both hands, a technique allowing for complex interlocking polyrhythms and ostinato basslines. The left hand typically plays the bass and accompaniment patterns on the ten strings nearest the player, while the right hand plays melodic lines and improvisation on the eleven higher-pitched strings. This enables the performance of intricate, hocketing melodies over a steady drone. Traditionally, it is a solo instrument for vocal accompaniment, used by griots for storytelling, praise-singing, and historical narration at ceremonies.

Repertoire and musical contexts

The traditional repertoire includes ancient pieces called *kora mandinka*, such as "Alla L'Aa Ke" and "Kaira", which are associated with specific historical events or families. Griots perform these at social ceremonies like weddings, naming ceremonies, and Muslim holidays. The instrument is also central to the recitation of epic narratives like the Sundiata epic. In contemporary settings, its repertoire has expanded into fusion genres, blending with jazz, blues, and flamenco in works by artists such as Toumani Diabaté and Ballaké Sissoko.

Notable players and recordings

Pioneering masters include Alhaji Bai Konte from Gambia, whose 1970s recordings introduced the instrument globally, and Malamini Jobarteh. The 1980s saw the rise of Djeli Moussa Diawara and Foday Musa Suso, who collaborated with Herbie Hancock and Bill Laswell. Toumani Diabaté, a Malian virtuoso, gained international acclaim with albums like *Kaira* and *The Mandé Variations*, and collaborations with Ali Farka Touré on *In the Heart of the Moon*. Other influential figures are Ballaké Sissoko, Seckou Keita, and female virtuoso Sona Jobarteh.

Cultural significance and influence

The instrument is a potent symbol of Mandé cultural heritage and the oral history preserved by the griot caste. Its sound has significantly influenced global world music movements, leading to cross-cultural projects with musicians like Kronos Quartet, Taj Mahal, and Erykah Badu. In 2021, the skills related to its practice in Gambia and Senegal were inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its role in social cohesion and cultural identity.

Category:West African musical instruments Category:Mandé music Category:String instruments