Maracas

Maracas are an important instrument of Latin American music and are almost always played in pairs. The first maracas (also known as shakers) were dried gourds whose seeds rattled when shaken. Later the gourds were emptied, dried and filled with larger seeds or pebbles to improve the sound. Gourds were often chosen for their shape, so that the neck could serve as a handle.

The sound depends on the size of the maracas, their material, and the weight and size of the beads inside. The player shakes them with a forward swing of the arm, usually with the right hand leading and playing the strong beats.