| Kora (instrument) |
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The kora ( Harp - Lute used extensively by Mandingo peoples in West Africa . Description It uses a large Calabash cut in half and covered with Cow skin as a Resonator , and has a notched Bridge like a Lute or Guitar . The Sound of a kora is like a Harp , though when played in the Traditional style, it bears a closer resemblance to Flamenco Guitar techniques. The Player uses only Thumb and index finger of both Hand s to Pluck the String s in Polyrhythmic patterns. Ostinato Riff s ("Kumbeng") and Improvise d Solo runs ("Biriminting") are played at the same time by skilled players. Kora players have Tradition ally come from Griot Families (traditional Entertainer s and Narrator s of stories) who pass their skills on to their Descendant s. It is played in Mali , Guinea and Senegal , but is most common in The Gambia . History The earliest reference to the kora in Western literature is in ''Travels in Interior Districts of Africa'' ( 1799 ) by the Scottish explorer Mungo Park . In the late 20th century, a 25-string model of the kora was developed, though it has been adopted by only a few players, primarily in the region of Casamance , in southern Senegal. An electric instrument modeled on the kora (but made primarily of metal) called the Gravikord was invented in the late 20th century by instrument builder Robert Grawi . Notable kora players
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