KORA

long-necked harp lute of western Africa consisting of 21 leather or nylon strings, a gourd resonator, and a leather-covered sound board. It has a range of just over three octaves. The Gambia River valley is one of the main centres for the playing of this instrument, whose origins, although obscure, are traditionally associated with royalty, the ruling classes, or religious practices. Its main function is to accompany narrations, recitations, and songs in honour of a patron.