The timbau or Brazilian timbal is a membranophone instrument derived from the caxambu drum, usually played with both hands.

[1] Slightly conical and of varying sizes, it is usually light in weight and made of lacquered wood or metal (usually aluminum) with a tunable nylon head.

It is played in a similar manner to the atabaque, a hand drum of which one version was brought to Brazil in slavery and is used in Candomblé rituals.

The timbal is designed to play loud, rapid phrases and solos with powerful slaps.

The sound of the timbal varies from a clear, well-defined, high tone to a strong, deep bass.