Maraca

A maraca (Template:Audio), sometimes called shaker or chac-chac,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> is a rattle which appears in many genres of Caribbean and Latin music. It is shaken by a handle and usually played as part of a pair.

Maracas (from Guaraní Template:Lang),<ref>Template:Citation</ref> also known as tamaracas, were rattles of divination, an oracle of the Brazilian Tupinamba people, found also with other Indigenous ethnic groups, such as the Guarani, Orinoco and in Florida. Rattles made from Lagenaria gourds are being shaken by the natural grip, while the round Crescentia calabash fruits are fitted to a handle.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Human hair is sometimes fastened on the top, and a slit is cut in it to represent a mouth, through which their shamans (payes) made it utter its responses. A few pebbles are inserted to make it rattle and it is crowned with the red feathers of the Template:Lang (scarlet ibis). It was used at their dances and to heal the sick.<ref>Template:Citation Note: Template:Lang is spelled idiosyncratically as "goaraz" in this historical source.</ref> Andean curanderos (healers) use maracas in their healing rites.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Modern maraca balls are also made of leather, wood or plastic.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

A maraca player in Spanish is a Template:Lang.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Gallery

• Robert Plant playing two pairs of maracas
  Robert Plant playing two pairs of maracas
• Guarani shaman holding cross and maraca
  Guarani shaman holding cross and maraca
• A maraca used by the knights of Toritos de Chichicastenango, danced for the feast of Saint Thomas, around December 21. Each maraca is unique and made specially for each year
  A maraca used by the knights of Toritos de Chichicastenango, danced for the feast of Saint Thomas, around December 21. Each maraca is unique and made specially for each year

External links

• Template:Commons category-inline