Kora (bridge-harp or plucked harp-lute)
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InstrumentKora/Harp lutes / koras/Strings/Musical Instrument ; Kora |
Instrument FamilyStrings |
MakerSerrif Mballow |
Place MadeAfrica ; Gambia ; West Africa |
Date Made2002 |
DescriptionA 21-string plucked instrument with vertically notched bridge that lifts the strings in two parallel ranks on a perpendicular plane to the body. Made of a hide-covered calabash resonator; rosewood neck, bridge, brace, and handles; iron ring; nylon strings; decorating metal tags; and rawhide tuning rings. The kora is played either standing or sitting by professional musicians. The jali (performer) holds the kora upright with the resonator placed either on the ground or cradled in the lap and plucks the strings with thumb and forefingers to accompany spoken narratives, genealogical recitations, and praise songs. The kora also provides solo interludes. Tuning is achieved by turning the antelope-hide rings to which the strings are tied. |
MeasurementsOverall length: 1180 mm Width of resonator: 424 mm Depth of resonator: 190 mm Overall depth: 300 mm |
SignatureWritten in pencil on lower right side of the soundtable: The / ‘Kora’ In metal tacks on the right side body of the gourd resonator: THE / GAMBIA |
CollectionMIMEd |
Accession Number6208 |