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Do you know about the Kora?
 Kora is a traditional instrument of West Africa which is called African harp. Kora is a kind of harp but it's distinctive structure and playing techniques are difficult to find similarity between the other instrument kind of harp. The main function of it is reading to honor their supporter or to play the accompaniment.  

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Do you know how to make a Kora?
First, cut the Calabash in half.
Second, the middle of Calabash fasten a long stick.
Third, tie strings to a long stick.
Fourth, in front of the Calabash, stick a cowhide.
Fifth, dry this instrument in the sunshine.

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About the Kora structure.
 Nowadays Kora with 21 strings is general kora. But in early days making the Kora, there were many kinds of Kora. Such as Kora with 31 strings, 25 strings.   While the original Kora string was made horsehair or hide a modern style Kora string is made wire string. When you connect Kora with amp, you can hear a sharp sound like guitar. To play it , hold hand post part and bounce the strings. The body of Kora is made of a calabash. so the bigger calabash you use the bigger Kora you make. Kora uses calabash as a sound box. That's why its sound has rich echo.

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Who is the famous Kora player?
 There are a lot of Kora players in the world from Africa. Also Their playing techniques are really good.  But I want to tell you about Toumani Diabate. His family has turned out about 70 Kora players. His father taught him when he was young. His brother also Kora player. Now he works in England and France.




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