A Caixa is a snare drum, similar to those you find in a conventional drumset and in western marching bands. It actually comes directly from European marching bands.
Caixa is played in "baterias" i.e. very large percussion ensembles that parade during the Rio Carnival.

Caixas can be found in various dimensions and with various names ("caixa de guerra", "tarol", "malacacheta"...) but generally have a 12" diameter. A caixa has nylon skins on both sides and its metal shell can be 2.7 to 7.8 in long (deep). In Carnaval "baterias", caixas snares often consist of a piece of wire or a doubled, (metal wound) guitar, bass-guitar or piano string. The wire is directly stretched across the top head. It is called "bordão"

The player holds the caixa at hip height, with a belt or a shoulder strap. Its musical part consists in playing a semiquaver "continuum" with specific stresses, creating a determined "ostinato" (constant rhythmical pattern) that varies from one Samba school to another, which helps recognizing each school's own groove.

This malacacheta model is a professional instrument, used in many official Carnaval "baterias" in RIo de Janeiro. The depth of its shell gives it an amazingly powerful sound. Its perfect tone will meet the needs of the most demanding musicians / "sambistas".

Head: synthetic
Shell: aluminium
Diameter: 12 in
Height (depth): 7.8 in
Tension rods: 10
Weight: 2.5 kg
Delivered with a tuning spanner