Cuíca
Cuíca | |
| Percussion instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Puíta, Quíca |
| Classification | Membranophone, single-head tubular drum, conical, ring-screw-mount hardware |
| Developed | Brazil |
The cuíca (Portuguese pronunciation: [kuˈikɐ]) is a Brazilian friction drum with a large pitch range, produced by changing tension on the head of the drum. Cuíca is Portuguese for the gray four-eyed opossum (Philander opossum) which is known for its high-pitched cry. The cuíca is frequently used in carnivals, as well as often in samba music. The tone it produces has a high-pitched squeaky timbre. It has been called a 'laughing gourd' due to this sound. Many also liken its sound to that of a monkey. In drum kit list, the mute and open cuíca sound is a F♯5 and G5.