Senegal - Griot playing a Kora

Senegal - Griot playing a Kora

Senegal - seated Griot playing a Kora, a 21-stringed harp lute that originated in the Gambia River valley with the Mandinko but is one of the most popular instruments in Senegal. Griots from most Mande groups in Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea Bissau play the kora, which has featured on a number of western recordings in recent years. A Griot is a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet and/or musician. The griot is a repository of oral tradition, and is also often seen as something of a societal leader due to his traditional position as an adviser to royal personages. Date: circa 1910s

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© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Media ID 11582639

Advisor Bard Instrument Minstrel Musician Oral Player Senegal Senegalese Stringed Strings Tradition Troubadour Twenty Wandering Griot Kora Storyteller

COLLECTIONS

> Africa > The Gambia > Related Images

> Africa > Guinea-Bissau > Bissau

> Africa > Guinea > Mali

> Africa > Mali > Related Images

> Africa > Senegal > Related Images

> Arts > Music

> Popular Themes > Poets

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the essence of Senegal's rich musical heritage. In the image, a Griot, a revered figure in West African culture, is seated and playing a Kora, a mesmerizing 21-stringed harp lute. Originating from the Gambia River valley with the Mandinko people, this instrument has become one of the most popular in Senegal. Griots are not only musicians but also historians, storytellers, praise singers, poets, and advisors to royal figures. They embody oral tradition and serve as repositories of their community's history and cultural knowledge. Their role as societal leaders is deeply respected. Dating back to around the 1910s, this photograph offers us a glimpse into an era where traditional music was cherished and celebrated. The Kora player sits gracefully with his instrument while enchanting melodies fill the air. The kora itself holds immense significance across various Mande groups in Senegal as well as neighboring countries like Gambia, Mali, Guinea Bissau. Its ethereal sound has even found its way onto western recordings in recent years. As we admire this historical snapshot captured by Mary Evans Prints Online without any commercial intent or mention of it being used for profit-making purposes let us appreciate how art can transport us through time and space to experience different cultures' vibrant traditions firsthand.

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