Maraca Keepers Maraca, a maraca is a dry gourd in which some seeds are placed. It’s a musical instrument frequently used by Native peoples in their most sacred ceremonies.The maracas contained the best seeds of the harvest, if, for whatever reason, the crops where lost, The Maraca Keepers would appear with their precious maracas. Then, they would break their maracas, releasing the seeds of life, restoring hope to their communities.