The 'cuica' is a Brazilian friction drum. An instrument which is rather unique in that it has a large pitch range controlled by the player via a large stick fixed to the center of the drum head.
The stick is rosined and rubbed with a damp cloth - this produces the sound - whilst the players other hand applies pressure to the drum head in order to change the pitch. A shoulder strap holds the drum in place.

This model has a stainless steel shell with a natural rawhide head. it has 8 tuning lugs and all the hardware is chrome plated. It is a comparatively small drum, especially when compared to the more common Surdo found in samba groups but is lightweight and easy to carry.