The cigar box guitar is a primitive type of guitar made from a cigar box and a few strings. Its history dates back to the early days of the blues, when musicians from poor communities didn't have the means to purchase expensive instruments. 

To make a cigar box guitar, musicians simply took an empty cigar box and attached a few strings to it. Sometimes wooden sticks or rods were used as a fretboard, while other times the strings were strung directly onto the box. Despite its simple construction, musicians were able to produce a range of sounds and playing techniques on these instruments that influenced the blues and other music styles. 

Although it is not used as frequently today as it once was, there are still musicians who play the cigar box guitar and keep its tradition alive. 

The exact origin of the cigar box guitar is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century, when musicians in poor communities started making their own instruments due to a lack of access to or the cost of commercially produced guitars. The earliest known reference to a cigar box guitar dates back to the late 1800s. 

The cigar box guitar gained popularity during the Great Depression of the 1930s, when many people could not afford to buy expensive musical instruments. Musicians would use whatever materials were available to make instruments, including cigar boxes, broom handles, and wire. 

The cigar box guitar played a significant role in the development of blues and other roots music styles, as musicians used it to create their own unique sound. Its distinctive twangy tone and simple construction made it a popular choice for blues, jug band, and country musicians. 

Some notable musicians who have used the cigar box guitar include Bo Diddley, Blues legend Lead Belly, and country musician Hank Williams Sr. Today, the cigar box guitar is enjoying a revival, with many musicians and luthiers building new versions and experimenting with different designs.