Berimbau
The Brazilian berimbau, is a gourd-resonated, braced musical bow of African origin. The instrument consists of a branch of biriba, bamboo, oak or other wood bent into an arc. The bow is strung with a single metal string and a gourd resonator is attached at the bottom.The string is struck with a thin stick called a baqueta, which is held in the player’s right hand along with a small basket rattle called caxixi. A small coin (dobrão) or stone (pedra) held between the musician’s left thumb and index finger is pressed to the string, resulting in a pitch change of about a minor or major second above the berimbau’s fundamental tone.
Atabaque
The atabaque is a tall, wooden, hand drum. Orignially Afro-Brazillian, this wooden drum is normally made out of the jacaranda wood from Brazil. The head, which is held on by ropes, is made from calfskin.The purpose of the atabaque in Capoeira is to maintain the beat of the music playing in the roda.
Pandeiro
The pandeiro, originally from East Africa, is a type of hand frame drum, or type of tambourine. The instrument’s head may be made of leather, snakeskin, or plastic.Capoeira, samba, reggae, and many other forms of Brazilian music utilize this instrument.
Agogo
The agogo is originally from Africa, and its translation means “bell.” It consists of two hollow iron cones that are struck with a stick.
