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Thecajones de rumba are wooden boxes used as rhythmicpercussion instruments in some styles ofCuban rumba. There are different types of cajones, namely thecajón tumbadora, thecajón bajo and thecajita, all of which are hand-struck.
Cajones arrived to the docks ofMatanzas andHavana in the 19th century. They were full of imported fish, mainly cod, but quickly repurposed as drums by the Afro-Cuban dockworkers. The big boxes were the precursors of the moderntumbadora and the small ones corresponded to the modernquinto (the smallest, lead conga drum). The equivalent ofclaves were two wooden spoons. Although cajones were mostly replaced by tumbadoras by the early 20th century, they are played in contemporary styles such asguarapachangueo. In this regard,Pancho Quinto is a notable crafter and player of the instrument.Miguel "Angá" Díaz often played the cajón as well.