Musical instrument Maracas has been known for many centuries. This is a traditional percussion instrument of Taino Indians, the natives of the Antilles. Nowadays, maracas are especially popular in Latin America and have become an integral part of local music.
Usually a person playing maracas uses 2 instruments at once: one in each hand.
Maracas in ancient times
Initially, maracas were made from dried fruits of the calabash tree. The fruits of this tree, called `` iguero '', reach a length of 35 centimeters. Therefore, they were used not only for the manufacture of maracas, but also for dishes.
In order to make maracas, they took fruits of the correct rounded shape. The manufacturing technology of the musical instrument was quite simple. Two holes were made in the fetus, the soft middle was removed. Then 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 of the world. Their production has not changed much. And now you can find these musical instruments made of 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’ve figured out what maracas is, you can experiment and try to make it yourself. By the way, maracas are used not only as an instrument providing interesting musical accompaniment, but also as a rattle for children. A long time ago people noticed that the pleasant noise created by the processed fruits of iguero can interest and calm even the most active fidgets.
Below are tips for making your own maracas.
To make this type of musical instrument we need:
- multi-colored eggs made of plastic (you can use kinder surprise);
- any cereals (buckwheat, rice, millet) or beans (peas, soybeans, mung bean); you can use beads or beads;
- an even number of disposable spoons;
- white tape;
- markers or acrylic paints for decoration.
Making a musical instrument in stages
We make maracas at home.
- Open the eggs and fill in the cereals or beads.
- Glue two plastic spoons on the sides with white adhesive tape. In the first option, gently glue the spoons with one even white line dividing the egg into 2 halves.
- In the second option, cover the whole egg with spoons of white tape. Try to keep the surface as flat as possible.
- With the help of paints or markers we decorate the surface of maracas.
- You can sprinkle the surface with sparkles or beads using glue.
Everything is ready. Now the child knows what maracas is and how to make it. To fix the material, let him try to make a second maracas on his own.
Coconut Maracas
In order to find out what 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 difference is only in the finish of the coconut.
We will need:
- coconut;
- beads, beads, dried corn or any other filler;
- glue for wood;
- sandpaper;
- hacksaw for wood;
- acrylic paints;
- beads, sparkles, or other decorative elements;
- rope.
The manufacturing instructions are given below:
- Using a hacksaw, peel off the top of the coconut. This is where the holes are.
- Sandpaper on the surface of the coconut and top, which is separated.
- Pour filler into the nut.
- Punch two holes in the lid and pull a rope or ribbon through them.
- Now it remains only to glue the two parts with glue.
- Putty the surface of the coconut again.
- Decorate the maracas with beautiful patterns or decor elements. Alternatively, make a maracas pen from a wooden stick. Then one hole is made into the lid so that the diameter fits the handle. And with glue all the parts are joined.
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 maracas is and how to make it yourself.