Kumbengo Koras

How We Build A Kora

(a quick tour)

1: Materials are assembled

2: Rosewood handle bars are turned on antique wood lathe

3: Cowskin is stretched over half-gourd (calabash) imported from Africa

4) Skin is fastened to the gourd

5) Bars are inserted across sound-top

6) Decorative fasteners are applied

7) Openings are cut for soundhole and neck

8) Neck is shaped to size and holes are drilled for tuners and strings

9) Tailpiece is fabricated and fit to the neck

10) Neck is inserted through body

11) Kora bridge and bridge plate are carved

12) Kora-strings are mounted

13) Kora is finished

14) Final inspection by Toumani Diabate and Bela Fleck