Maracas
A maraca is a percussion instrument that originated in various places around the world: Central Chile, pre-colonial Brazil, Puerto Rico, and West Africa. It is considered a staple of Latin music. It is also referred to as rumba shakers, shaker, chac-chac, rattle, and tamaracas.
History
The maracas were invented around 500 BCE, but it is unclear who originally invented them. Some sources say these were invented by the people of Central Chile, pre-colonial Brazil, and West Africa. It is also believed the maracas were invented by the Taínos of Puerto Rico.
It is thought the maracas were originally used as rattles of divination (or as an oracle) by the Brazilian Tupinambá people. It was also used during healing rituals to heal the sick.
How is it made?
Traditionally, these rattles were made by fitting gourds onto a handle. Holes were made in the gourds, the pulp was taken out, and then it was filled with pebbles or beans and fastened onto a handle. Sometimes the tops of the maracas were decorated with human hair or feathers.
The maracas were traditionally made with calabash gourds or turtle shells and filled with beans, beads, or pebbles. Modern day maracas are made with leather, wood, or plastic.
Music
Maracas are often one of the instruments played in Cuban music, Afro-Puerto Rican music, orchestral music, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Musicians typically play the maracas with others, to help them stay on beat.
How do I play the instrument?
These rattles create sound by holding the handle and shaking. Maracas belong to the sub-category called shaken idiophones. Usually, the maracas are played in pairs.
Is there special equipment needed for the instrument?
No, just your hands!
How long does it take to learn?
Not long at all; these are simple to play. To master the maraca, however, practice is required.
Are there any instruments similar to this one?
Shekere, a West African percussion instrument made from a gourd with a net of beads covering it.
Rock with a Star!
Let’s enjoy the sound of this instrument through this wonderful performance by John Santos!
John Santos is a Grammy-nominated percussionist and an expert in Afro-Latin music.
