What is a maracas and how to make it

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

The musical instrument maracas has been known for many centuries. This is a traditional percussion instrument of the Taino Indians, the indigenous inhabitants of the Antilles. Now maracas are especially popular in Latin America and have become an integral part of local music.

Usually a person who plays the maracas uses 2 instruments at once: one in each hand.

Maracas in ancient times

Initially, maracas were made from the dried fruit of the calabash tree. The fruits of this tree, called ''iguero'', reach a length of 35 centimeters. Therefore, they were used not only for making maracas, but also for dishes.

In order to make maracas, they took the fruits of the correct rounded shape. The technology for making a musical instrument was quite simple. Two holes were made in the fruit, the soft middle was removed. Next, the fruit was dried, and seeds or pebbles were poured inside. Each instrument had its own special, unique sound, and all because the amount of filler in each fruit was different. At the final stage, a pen was attached to the maracas.

Maracas are still popular in many countries around the world. Their production has not changed much. And now you can find these musical instruments,made from iguero, pumpkin or even leather. Of course, they are also made from modern materials, primarily plastic.

How to make maracas at home

Now that we figured out what a maracas is, you can experiment and try to make it yourself. By the way, maracas are used not only as an instrument that provides interesting musical accompaniment, but also as a rattle for children. A long time ago, people noticed that the pleasant noise created by the processed igüero fruits can interest and calm even the most active fidgets.

The following are tips on how to make your own maracas.

To make this type of musical instrument we need:

• colorful plastic eggs (you can use kinder surprise);
• any cereal (buckwheat, rice, millet) or beans (peas, soybeans, mung beans); you can use beads or beads;
• even number of disposable spoons;
• white tape;
• markers or acrylics for decoration.

Make a musical instrument step by step

Making maracas at home.

1. Open the eggs and put the cereal or beads inside.
2. Glue two plastic spoons on the sides with white tape. In the first option, carefully glue the spoons with one even white line dividing the egg into 2 halves.
3. In the second option, seal the whole egg with white tape with spoons. Try to get the surfaceas flat as possible.
4. Use paints or markers to decorate the surface of the maracas.
5. You can sprinkle glitter or beads on the surface using glue.

Everything is ready. Now the child knows what a maracas is and how to make it. To reinforce the material, have him try making a second maracas on his own.

Coconut maracas

In order to find out what a maracas is in its original form, we need to make a little more effort. And all because we have to make a tool out of coconut. In principle, the technology is the same as the previous version with eggs. The only difference is the coconut finish.

We will need:

• coconut;
• beads, beads, dried corn or any other filler;
• wood glue;
• sandpaper;
• wood saw;
• acrylic paints;
• beads, sequins, or other decorative items;
• rope.

Production instructions are below:

1. Using a hacksaw, separate the top of the coconut. This is where the holes are.
2. Sandpaper the surface of the coconut and the top that was separated.
3. Pour filler into the nut.
4. Punch two holes in the lid and thread a rope or ribbon through them.
5. Now it remains only to glue the two parts with glue.
6. Put the surface of the coconut again.
7. Decorate the maracas with beautiful patterns or decorations. Alternatively, make a maracas handle out ofwooden stick. Then one hole is made in the lid so that the diameter is suitable for the handle. And with the help of glue, all parts are connected.

Pair the instrument. Here are some interesting maracas we got. The photos presented in the article demonstrate this tool.

Let your creation dry and you can start playing and dancing. The product is also suitable for a handmade gift.

Now you know what a maracas is and how to make it yourself.