Maracas or Sik-siki with Indian headdress

Maracas or Sik-siki with Indian headdress

An Indian sik-siki, made from dry calabash from Suriname. Handle wrapped in red wool.

The Sik-siki or maracas is a musical instrument from the group of idiophones, or self-vowels, of South and Central American origin. However, the instrument is of Native American origin. Some South American Indians use one maraca for ritual purposes.

The maracas nowadays consists of two identical shakers, often played by a vocalist. The traditional form is a gourd, ritually filled with seeds, fitted with a wooden handle. The modern shapes are made of all kinds of materials, including plastic.

If the maracas are not moved too quickly, they produce a rushing sound. Faster movements from the wrist create a much sharper dry tap. The combination of both sounds makes the instrument characteristic in many Latin American dances such as the rumba, and in particular the Mexican mariachi.

• Length: approx. 22 cm
• Diameter: approx. 15 cm