Britannica AI Icon

Quick Summary

The maraca is a percussion instrument, typically a rattle made from a gourd, used to create rhythmic sounds. It is one of many shaken rattles that are part of indigenous cultures in Latin America.12

Maracas are a significant part of the musical heritage in the Americas, with origins tracing back to indigenous South American cultures and African influences brought through the slave trade. They are commonly found in Latin American music, contributing to various folk and popular genres.32

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.