Kora

The Kora is one of the most elaborate of stringed instruments to be found in Sierra Leone. It comprises of a gourd (the sound box) with a sturdy shaft sticking out at both ends. The short end is held against the body of the player. It usually has 21 strings. A skin, which may be deer, sheep or cow skin, covers the gourd opening. A bridge stands up on the skin. It has grooves on both sides through which the strings pass. The strings are attached to the main shaft - one end of them to the short end of the shaft and the other end at 21 different points along the long end of the shaft. Apart from the main shaft there are two sticks piercing the skin that covers the gourd opening. These give the player a hold: the ring-fingers and little fingers of each hand are curled around each, while the player plucks the strings with his thumbs and index fingers. This example was sold to the Sierra Leone National Museum by a member of the band of Bongi Makeba, daughter of Miriam Makeba, while they were touring Sierra Leone in 1977. It is now missing its bridge.

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Further Information

  • Type: Musical instruments
  • Object: Kora
  • Materials: Leather, animal skin, Metal, Vegetable, organic fibre, Wood
  • Culture Group: Mandingo, Mende
  • Dimensions: Unknown
  • Production Date: Pre 1977
  • Associated Places: Guinea
  • Associated People: Miss Bongie Makeba
  • Museum: Sierra Leone National Museum
  • Accession Number: SLNM.1977.01.04

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