Kora

Kora is a traditional harp-lute. It has 21 strings. It is a musical instrument played in Mali and some other westafrican countries. Person playing kora is called “jali.” The instrument is made of large calabash (Lagenaria siceraria) which is cut in half and covered with cow skin which serves as a resonator. Kora also has a notched bridge similar to those of a lute or guitar.

Kora – harp-lute musical instrument from West Africa

The jali uses the thumb and index finger of both hands to pluck the strings. 11 strings are played by the left hand and 10 by the right hand. Modern kora sometimes include 4 extra bass strings. There are double-necked koras too. Some of the world famous kora players are Mamadou Diabaté, Toumani Diabaté, Sona Maya Jobarteh and Ablaye Cissoko.