Maracas Hand Painted from Cozumel Mexico - Hand Held Musical Instrument NWOT

Maracas Hand Painted from Cozumel Mexico - Hand Held Musical Instrument NWOT. This authentic, vintage Maracas was hand-made, hand-painted and assembled by artisans in Cozumel, Mexico. The artist's name appears within the painting on the from of the maraca, but I can't read the lettering to tell you who it is. It is painted a teal blue color and shellacked, so the paint does not fleck off. I am not certain of what material this is made of, I'd only be guessing that it is some kind of wood or husk from a fruit. The top part is attached to the handle with a yellow coated wiring. This one has a lot of beads/beans inside to make a full musical sound. The maracas are still used today in countries such as Mexico and part of rituals, dancing, celebrations, etc. The maracas were never used, purchased as a gift. Stored on a shelf in a cool dry place. Comes from a smoke-free/pet-free home. Measures approx: 9" tall X 5" at widest point. Maracas History: Maracas may have originated among several ancient civilizations at almost the same time. They can be found in the artwork of pre-Columbian Indians, especially the tribes in Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, and Paraguay. Maracas is a native instrument of the Americas. They are simple percussion instruments, usually played in pairs, consisting of a dried calabash or gourd shell or coconut shell filled with seeds or dried beans.