The catá (or guagua) is a narrow, hollowed out slit drum from Cuba that is struck with sticks or mallets. It is almost certainly of Congolese origin, but since making its way to Cuba, it has been incorporated into Cuban styles such as tumba francesa, yuka and rumba music. It also found its way into more mainstream ensembles thanks to being used by prominent percussionists such as Mongo Santamaría.
