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Brief Overview of Maracas
14 Jul 2011, 5:17 am
Maracas, or also known as rumba shakers, are simple percussion instruments usually played in pairs. They are a type of handheld instrument that are native to Colombia, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and other nations of the Caribbean and Latin America. These musical instruments are usually oval or egg-shaped consisting of a dried calabash or gourd shell or coconut shell filled with seeds, small stones or dried beans. Because maracas are musical instruments that are sealed and create a full, distinctive tone, they are classified as idiophones. Also, maracas can be made of plastic, wood, or leather. It has been said that percussion instruments, particularly drums, existed as long as the Stone Age. Pertinently, it is thought that maracas may have originated among several ancient civilizations at almost the same time. Often one ball is pitched high and the other is pitched low; maracas are essential to today’s Latin and South American ensembles. Its history is best traced through the artwork of pre-Columbian Indians, especially the tribes in Venezuela, Paraguay, Colombia, and Brazil. The word “maraca” is believed to have originated from the Tupi language of Brazil, where it is being pronounced as “ma-ra-kah” and is also thought to have been given to the instrument by the Araucanian folks of central Chile. It has been used for all gourd rattles although some also have more specific names. Just like in Trinidad, it has been recognized as shac-shacs. Although a simple instrument, maracas have been popular with children and are commonly included in the instruments of the rhythm band. The method of playing this musical instrument is not apparent. The seeds must travel some distance before they hit the wood, plastic, or leather, so that the players can anticipate the rhythm. To get a distinct sound, one can also strikes the maraca against one’s hand or leg. These instruments are heard in various forms of Latin music and are also used in pop and classical music. They are contemplated characteristic of the music of Venezuela, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Jamaica, and are often played at celebrations and special events. In the early 1950s, band leader Vincent Lopez hosted a radio program called “Shake the Maracas” wherein audience members competed for small prizes by playing the instrument with orchestra. Furthermore, in rock and roll, they are possibly most acknowledged with Bo Diddley, who wrote the song “Bring it to Jerome”, about his maraca player, Jerome Green. |
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