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Kora
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Kora
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Kora

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.08212013-7-1
Object Type Instrument, Stringed
Gifter
Maker (Founded 1963)
Intended Recipient (American, 1998)
Intended Recipient (American, 2001)
Medium plant material (gourd), leather, wood, plastic, metal, textile, stain, adhesive
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 54 in x W 19 3/8 in x D 14 3/4 in (137.2 cm x 49.2 cm x 37.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionTraditional West African kora, a stringed instrument similar to a harp. The kora's body is made of a large carved gourd wrapped on the front in a tan leather that is bolted down around the sides. The silver-toned metal rivets have a curving geometric decorative pattern. The front of the wooden neck is carved with a decorative diamond pattern. The instrument is strung with 21 strings through notches in a central bridge and connect along the long wooden neck at various metal pegs. Along the back of the instruments neck is a long series of tuning pegs. On either side of the fret board and rising above the face are two carved wooden handles for holding.
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama's trip to Senegal in 2013.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to Malia and Sasha Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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