The kora is a West African harp of the bridge harp or harp lute type. It is the most highly developed stringed instrument in Africa, and both its construction and its music are unique in the world.
The kora is widespread among all Manding peoples. It is played by the Mandinka in Gambia, Senegal and Guinea Bissau, the Malinke or Maninka in Guinée, the Bambara or Bamana in Mali and the Dioula in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). However, it has the greatest significance for social life in Gambia and Casamance (southern Senegal).
The kora has a centuries-old tradition and was played in former times at the courts of rulers, where the musicians were members of the court.
The kora is a West African harp of the bridge harp or harp lute type. It is the most highly developed stringed instrument in Africa, and both its construction and its music are unique in the world.
The kora is widespread among all Manding peoples. It is played by the Mandinka in Gambia, Senegal and Guinea Bissau, the Malinke or Maninka in Guinée, the Bambara or Bamana in Mali and the Dioula in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). However, it has the greatest significance for social life in Gambia and Casamance (southern Senegal).
The kora has a centuries-old tradition and was played in former times at the courts of rulers, where the musicians were members of the court.
As a harp, the kora is an independent development that only exists in West Africa. It therefore differs significantly from the usual harps not only in its construction, but also in its playing technique and the music played on it.
The kora is played with both hands using only the thumbs and index fingers. However, the strings are arranged in two parallel rows, which means that each hand plays its own row of strings, the low ones with the thumb and the high ones with the index finger. This arrangement characterizes the polyphony of Kora music and makes it easier to play individual intervals and melody lines in parallel octaves, fifths and thirds.
As a harp, the kora is an independent development that only exists in West Africa. It therefore differs significantly from the usual harps not only in its construction, but also in its playing technique and the music played on it.
The kora is played with both hands using only the thumbs and index fingers. However, the strings are arranged in two parallel rows, which means that each hand plays its own row of strings, the low ones with the thumb and the high ones with the index finger. This arrangement characterizes the polyphony of Kora music and makes it easier to play individual intervals and melody lines in parallel octaves, fifths and thirds.
At Dunum, we want to be the first port of call for anyone looking to buy musical instruments in Switzerland. In our online store and our store in the old town of Zofingen, we offer you a wide range of instruments that have inspired us on countless journeys. Whether a didgeridoo from Australia, singing bowls from Nepal or a gong for a great sound experience: you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for here.
At Dunum, we want to be the first port of call for anyone looking to buy musical instruments in Switzerland. In our online store and our store in the old town of Zofingen, we offer you a wide range of instruments that have inspired us on countless journeys. Whether a didgeridoo from Australia, singing bowls from Nepal or a gong for a great sound experience: you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for here.
