The zambomba is a musical instrument of friction.  It consists of a hollow cylinder that can be of different materials (ceramic, cooked clay, wood, etc.) with one end closed with a patch, which is traversed through the centre with a rod made of wood or other materials. By rubbing the rod with both hands, the vibration produced is transmitted to the leather, producing a serious and peculiar sound.

The manufacturing process involves different artisans, such as potter, skinner and ‘zambombero’, who is to articulate the activity between them: he orders the potter in advance the pieces of clay, and buy the already dry skins from the skinner. The reeds for the rod are picked up directly in damp places. The ‘zambombero’ mounts all the pieces and tunes the instrument.

Its origin is in the flamenco neighbourhood parties that took place in Jerez, to accompany flamenco singing ‘cantes’. It was later enriched stylistically and musically in the following century, coinciding with the incorporation of the Andalusian carols ’villancicos’ to the flamenco repertoire.