Kora

The kora is a traditional West African instrument, used to pass on stories and legends from one generation to the next in the oral tradition. It has 21 strings, often made from fishing line, and it resonating chamber is a calabash that's been cut in half then covered with cow skin. The left thumb is used for bass lines, the right thumb for chordal accompaniment and the index fingers of each hand are used to play melodies and improvise over the top.
Arguably the worlds best kora player, Toumani Diabate is the 71st generation in his family of kora players continuing this tradition today.