Maracas are hollow gourds or hollow wood filled with seeds, used to make a rattle sound. Maracas, which are usually played in pairs, are used in Latin American dance music. They are shaken to provide the rhythms.
Although a simple instrument, the method of playing the maracas is not obvious. The seeds must travel some distance before they hit the leather, wood, or plastic, so the player must anticipate the rhythm.
More Maracas? Shop unique Brazilian maracas with our Caxixi's, or our every day Shakers.