An African harp-like instrument of the Mandinka people, found in Senegal and elsewhere in West Africa. Griots, the traditional oral historians, play the kora usually to accompany speech or poetry.

The kora has a notched bridge similar to that of a lute or guitar. It sounds somewhat like a harp, but its intricate playing style can be closer to flamenco guitar.

The kora's body is made from a calabash gourd cut in half and partially covered with cow skin. Traditionally, there are 21 playing strings plucked by the thumb and forefinger of each hand (11 played by the left hand and 10 by the right). The remaining fingers grip the two vertical hand posts. For strings, players use fishing line which provides a brillant tone and is easily obtained at the local market. The playing strings are attached by 21 anchor strings to an iron ring bored through the base of the kora's hardwood neck. Occasionally, further metal rings are attached to the neck and these rattle when played.

The player carefully tunes the kora by moving the leather rings to achieve the appropriate tension on each string. Kora players use a variety of tunings and the playing technique is highly skilled.