It is a potbellied earthenware jug or jar with two openings and was used in the early son sextetos in Cuba as a bass instrument.

[3][self-published source] In the late 19th century, in Cuba, botijas were dug up and used as musical instruments.

[4][failed verification] The son genre of music and dance originated in eastern Cuba in the late 19th century.

Botijas contained two openings, one at the top and one of the side, and were blown into to create bass notes.

[3] Use of the botija throughout parts of Cuba ended after the early 20th century; it was replaced by the double bass.