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Traditional West African Kora
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Traditional West African Kora
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Traditional West African Kora

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.093616
Object Type Instrument, Stringed
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Medium plant material (gourd), leather, wood, plastic, metal, textile, stain, paint, adhesive
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 52 in x W 20 in x D 14 1/2 in (132.1 cm x 50.8 cm x 36.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionTraditional West African kora, a stringed instrument similar to a harp. The kora's body is made of a carved gourd wrapped on the front in a white leather that is bolted down with metal rivets. The instrument is strung with 21 strings notched in a central bridge and wrapped along the long wooden neck at various points with braded bands of hide. On either side of the fret board and rising above the face are two carved wooden handles for holding.
Historical NoteThis item was received during the US-Africa Leaders Summit in August 2014 held in Washington, DC.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive 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 SeriesGifts of State (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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