Handmade Shipibo Maraca – Huingo Gourd Rattle with Chonta Palm Handle

This handcrafted Maraca is made by Shipibo artisans from a community from the Peruvian Amazon, near Pucallpa. The rattle's body is made from the dried fruit of the Crescentia cujete tree, commonly known as Huingo or Tutumo. The naturally rounded, gourd-like form is harvested, cleaned, and carved with sacred patterns known as "Kené". The handle is carved from Chonta Palm wood (genus Attalea), a material traditionally used for its strength and ceremonial value. Lightweight yet firm, it fits comfortably in the hand or between the fingertips, allowing for subtle or rhythmic shaking.

Inside, the rattle contains small, dried seeds from the Canna indica plant, known locally as Achira. These seeds are selected for their consistent sound and dry tone, though in some cases tiny stones or beads may be used. The resulting sound is bright, coherent and full of presence, with a volume that is clear but not overpowering. When shaken slowly, the tone is meditative and calming. When played rapidly, it can energise and awaken the senses, while firm strikes are traditionally used to clear space and shift energy.

The designs carved into each rattle are not mere decoration. In Shipibo tradition, the Kené patterns represent visions received in Ayahuasca ceremonies and are considered to carry ancestral knowledge, spiritual insight and cosmic balance. These symbols are passed down through generations and often emerge through the practice of singing ícaros, sacred healing songs that guide and shape the visual and energetic patterns. Whether embroidered, painted, beaded or carved, these designs are an expression of the Shipibo worldview and their connection to the spirit world.

Traditionally, Maracas like these are used in healing ceremonies and rituals, often accompanying ícaros sung by shamans to open and close sacred space, cleanse individuals or realign energies. Today, their use has expanded to include meditation, music therapy, movement work and sound healing. Their intuitive playability and deep cultural roots make them ideal tools for both practitioners and those simply seeking presence and connection through rhythm.

Each rattle is one of a kind and selected at random. The design, colour of the thread, and the sound produced are all unique to each piece.

Dimensions: Length: 21 cm, approximate shaker size: 5 x 6 cm.

Other names: Rattle, shaker