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In my latest project, a continuation of the African Music series, I have tried to portray an approximation of the African Calabash Harp known as the KORA, with the help of Paper Dolls.
Doll No.2 of the musical trio, is playing the Kora.
Here is my Handmade Newspaper Doll demonstrating The African Kora Harp
Let us now dwell into the world of KORA - AN African Stringed Instrument.:
The 'KORA' looks like a giant, upside-down Lolipop.
A large gourd sits at the bottom of a long neck traversed by 21 strings. The player sits, resting the gourd in his lap with the neck vertical, and plucks the strings with the thumb and one finger of each hand.
The Instrument dates back to about 800 years.
The KORA is a uniquely West African instrument. It belongs to a family of calabash harps found exclusively in the West African savannah. Many authors have described the kora as a harp-lute - With its half calabash resonator, skin sound table and long wooden neck.
The Kora is found in all Mande cultures. 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)
Kora players have traditionally come from 'jali' families (from the Mandinka tribes) who are traditional historians, genealogists and storytellers who pass their skills on to their descendants.
Traditional koras feature strings, eleven played by the left hand and ten by the right.
Modern koras sometimes feature additional bass strings, adding up to four strings to the traditional 21.
You can listen to the beautiful melody of the KORA by clicking below :
Finally,
Do remember, these dolls are up for grabs,
if you would like to have these eye catching, artisanal beauties be a part of your home,
or
would like to commission a custom doll for yourself , feel free to contact me (chat button - bottom right) / (site contact form) / Instagram / Facebook.
Did I mention, they make excellent conversation starters ???
And,
As always
#StayClassy
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