Berimbau
Musicbows with one string and a gourd as a sounding-board are widely spread throughout the whole of Africa. They were the origin of the typical Bahian berimbau which is played by balancing the instrument with the left hand at a right angle to the body. A stone or coin is held between the thumb and forefinger, with which one can modify the timbre and pitch of the string. A thin stick held in the right hand together with a caixixi, produces the typical buzzing sound by striking the metal string rhythmically. The berimbau is the characteristic accompanying instrument for the Capoeira.