The Berimbau-de-peito, also known simply as a Berimbau in Brazil, is a single string musical instrument. It consists of a string stretched between both ends of a bow usually made out of wood. There is a calabash attached at the base with the bottom cut off, which acts as a resonance box.

The bow in question is the same as that used as a weapon. No-one knows which of the two uses it was originally intended for. There are a number of musical instruments derived from the bow spread across the world. Some of these variations can be found in New Mexico, Patagonia and Africa. They were also present in ancient civilizations, among them the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Hindus, Persians and Assyrians.

There are records of Berimbau in its present form as far back as primitive times, in Angola, from where it was brought to Brazil by African slaves. Its main function is to create the rhythm during Capoeira. It can also be found among the Appalachee Indians, where it is called a mouthbow.