What is the history and significance of washboards in music?

Washboards have been used as Musical Instruments since the late 19th century, particularly in American folk and Blues Music. They were originally repurposed from household items and played by scraping a metal object, like a spoon or thimble, across the ridges of the washboard. The unique sound created by the washboard added a rhythmic and percussive element to music, often accompanying string instruments like the guitar or banjo. Washboards became a staple in jug bands and skiffle music, contributing to the distinctive sound of these genres. Today, washboards are still used in various musical styles, preserving their historical significance in the evolution of American music.