The Kora is a traditional West African stringed instrument, resembling a large lute or harp. It typically has 21 strings and is made from a gourd covered with cowhide, which acts as a resonator. The Kora is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, producing a rich, melodic sound that is integral to the music of the region. Often associated with the Griot tradition, the Kora is used to accompany storytelling, praise songs, and cultural ceremonies. Griots are oral historians and musicians who preserve the history and traditions of their communities through music, making the Kora an important cultural symbol in West Africa.