The jawbone is a percussion instrument consisting of the lower jawbone of a donkey, horse or zebra. The jawbone is dried out and the teeth loosened. When struck with the hand, the teeth rattle, producing a powerful buzzing sound. The playing technique involves striking the large end of the jaw with the palm, or a beater is used to strike the teeth or bone and pulled along the teeth which act as a rasp. These ingredients provide the basis for a wide variety of combinations and rhythms.
In Spanish the jawbone is called quijada. It is one of the main instruments used by Afro-Peruvian musical ensembles and is used in many other Latin American cultures, like Candombe of Argentina (in Uruguay is not used), in sounds of Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, as well as Mexican music by Son Jarocho and "Costa Chica" music.
The jawbone provided the inspiration for the vibraslap.