Beautiful African Kora chordophones with 10 strings from the GAMBIA (West Africa). The Kora is a traditional string instrument played by the griot (jeli) in Burkina Faso. The same instrument is found throughout much of West Africa, and is best known in Mali. It has features of both the lute (both are played with the right hand) and the harp (both have a resonator and perpendicular strings). The appearance of the instrument looks more like a guitar than a harp. It is made from half a calabash covered with the skin of an antelope and decorated with shells. The Kora is probably the most complex chordophone of Africa. The Kora musician supports the instrument with the 3rd, 4th and 5th finger and the notes are played with the thumbs and index fingers of both hands. A skilled craftsman takes a month to manufacture a Kora. When the skin is fitted over the calabash it will take no less than 3 men to properly secure it. Making a Kora is hard work. First half of the 20th century - in good condition Size: 90 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm Approx. 1 kg The whole is beautifully finished. Very unique and usable. The photos are an addition to the description of the condition. The Kora has natural damage to the left side of the face on the back (see the photos). Very beautiful decorative instrument with artistic and cultural-historical value. It will be well packaged and shipped with track and trace.