Kora

Kora, long-necked harp lute of the Malinke people of western Africa. The instrument’s body is composed of a long hardwood neck that passes through a calabash gourd resonator, itself covered by a leather soundboard.  Nylon strings are attached to the top of the neck with leather tuning rings. The strings pass over a notched bridge and are anchored to the bottom of the neck with a metal ring.