Its origins are disputed: Different sources trace it to enslaved Bantu people, to Spain, and to Muslim traders – structurally it is identical, among other instruments in the same category, to the Portuguese sarronca, Spanish zambomba, Catalan simbomba and Balearic ximbomba.

The instrument was introduced to Brazil by enslaved people from Africa, where it found its place in samba music.

The rubbing motion produces the sound and the pitch is increased or decreased by changing the pressure on the head.

It is particularly notable as a fixture of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival groups, which feature entire sections of cuíca players.

The cuíca can also be heard played by the Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira on the 1999 reissue bonus track "Feio", on Miles Davis' album Bitches Brew.

The instrument was also used in "Could You Be Loved" by Bob Marley and The Wailers, "Soul Bossa Nova" by Quincy Jones, "Bird of Beauty" by Stevie Wonder, and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" by Paul Simon.