Senegal

Senegalese-Mande

Wood, calabash, skin, nylon string, metal ming and studs/tacks
ca. Mid-20th century
Length: 40 inches
Chordophone – Bridge-Harp – Plucked

This kora measures 40″ tall and has 15 strings with individual adjustment wooden tuning pegs for tonal variation. It is completely hand crafted and is made from a calabash, hardwood and leather. The width of the calabash measures 15″. This beautiful native harp-lute from Senegal produces a very uniquely African sound. It’s construction is congruent with tribal beliefs such that the calabash is meant to represent the earth as the instrument’s body. The hardwood neck is said to represent plant life while the hide is symbolic of animal life. At the base of the instrument is an iron ring, believed to be the magical force binding these elements. The kora is used in rituals and celebrations of West Africa, together with the balafon, djembe, talking drums and other musical instruments. The calabash is covered with goat skin, that works as a resonance-box, and three sticks going through it. The two shorter sticks, are used to hold the instrument with both hands, and the third one, larger and in the middle, tautens the fifteen ropes, which are separated by the tall elongated bridge.