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Senegal - Griot playing a Kora
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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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Media ID 11582639
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Advisor Bard Instrument Minstrel Musician Oral Player Senegal Senegalese Stringed Strings Tradition Troubadour Twenty Wandering Griot Kora Storyteller
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Seated Griot Playing a Kora: A Window into Senegal's Rich Cultural Heritage This evocative photograph captures the essence of a Senegalese Griot as he skillfully plays the kora, a 21-stringed harp lute that has deep roots in the Gambia River valley among the Mandinko people. The kora, an instrument that has gained international recognition in recent years, is not only a beloved musical instrument but also a symbol of Senegal's rich cultural heritage. The Griot, a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, and musician, is a repository of oral tradition and a societal leader. Traditionally, Griots have been advisors to royal personages, and their role in preserving and passing down the history and stories of their communities is invaluable. This image, believed to date back to the 1910s, offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us to a time when the art of storytelling and music was an integral part of daily life. The kora's intricate design and the dexterity of the player's hands create a mesmerizing scene, as the strings resonate with the melodic tones that have captivated audiences for generations. The wandering minstrel, or troubadour, continues to carry on the ancient tradition of sharing stories and music, keeping the oral history of his people alive. This image is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the beauty of Senegal's cultural heritage.
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