The Kora isn't just an instrument-it's a portal to history. Played for centuries by West African griots, this 21-string harp-lute weaves intricate, flowing melodies with both hands working in perfect polyrhythmic harmony. Traditionally tuned with rawhide rings, modern koras often use guitar-style machine heads for precision. Some say the first kora belonged to a mystical river spirit before being passed to musicians. From Mali to the world, it now bridges tradition with jazz, classical, and even