 
The washboard was a laundry tool, but as a percussion instrument it was practiced in West Africa and brought to the new world by enslaved Africans. This led to the development of 'Jug bands', which used jugs, spoons, and washboards to provide the rhythm. Jug bands became popular in the 1920s.
In a jug band, the washboard's best sound is achieved using a single steel-wire snare-brush or whisk broom. However, in a jazz setting, the washboard can also be played with thimbles on all fingers, tapping out much more complex rhythms. There is a Polish traditional jazz festival that uses washboards. Called "zatulas", they are also occasionally used in Ukrainian folk music. 
Hear the washboard sound: Hear some music: Mountain Music Washboard performance by Brad and Clyde Casey Buy a washboard: Musical Washboards |