History of the Maraca

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History of the Maraca

• By Aaron Holman and

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Early Maracas

• The first sounds of the maraca came from the
  Taíno tribe in Puerto Rico around 1530.
• The maraca was called mayohavau and was used in
  rituals.
• The maraca could be heard up to 2 and ½ miles
  away.

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• Was made out of thin wood in a shape of a gourd.
  
• Was used for dancers in rituals.
• Was also used during chants.

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Maracas from Gourds

• Other maracas were made from gourds.
• The gourds were dried and the seeds were left
  inside.
• They were used again in ritual dances and chants.

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Maracas from fruit

• Other maracas were made from the fruit of the
  higuera tree.
• The fruit had to be round and the a small hole
  was bored into it.
• Small stones were introduced.

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Other Maracas

• Some maracas were made from the skin of bulls.
• The skin was shaped and dried.
• Stones or seeds were introduced to make the
  sounds.