The bongó is a pair of small, hand-played drums that originated in Cuba. They are typically made of wood and have a rounded shape, with one drum larger than the other. Bongós are often used in Afro-Cuban music and are played by striking the drumheads with the fingers. Bongós are an essential part of many Latin music genres, including salsa and son cubano. The player, known as a bongosero, can create a variety of rhythms and sounds by using different techniques, such as slapping or tapping the drumheads. This versatility makes the bongó a popular instrument in both traditional and contemporary music settings.