A Rakatak is a compact, handheld shaker made from natural seed pods, wood, or recycled materials, producing a dry, textured rhythm through its own vibration—no strings or membranes needed. Used in sound therapy, world music, meditation, and education, its earthy tone adds organic depth to musical phrases and ambient settings. Favored by musicians, sound healers, and educators alike, the Rakatak is especially rooted in African and Indonesian traditions but also embraced in European folk and fair-trade music scenes. Simple, eco-conscious, and rich in cultural character, it’s both functional and expressive.
History of Rakatak
The Rakatak may be a modern name, but the instrument itself has ancient roots as part of a global family of idiophones—musical tools that produce sound through their own vibration. Crafted from natural materials like seed pods, wood, or shells, instruments like the Rakatak have existed for thousands of years across Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. They evolved independently in rituals, dances, and communal music, often valued for their organic sound and spiritual symbolism. While today “Rakatak” is commonly used in fair-trade and educational music circles to describe eco-friendly shakers, the instrument represents a timeless tradition of rhythm-making that transcends borders.
Types of Rakatak
Rakataks come in various forms, each offering a unique sound and cultural feel. Seed pod Rakataks, made from natural elements like kenari or acacia, produce earthy, dry rattles and are popular in African and Indonesian traditions. Wooden block Rakataks offer soft clacking tones ideal for rhythm training and group percussion. Eco-friendly versions, crafted from recycled materials like bottle caps or scrap wood, deliver bright, metallic sounds perfect for street music or workshops. Bead or shell Rakataks create delicate, tinkling tones and are often used in rituals or dance. Stick-style Rakataks, with pods or clinking parts attached to a handle, are compact and great for controlled rhythms. Most are handmade, fair trade, and beginner-friendly, making them not just musical tools but also symbols of culture, sustainability, and organic sound.
Rakatak Shaker
This handcrafted Rakatak Shaker from Indonesia is a vibrant, eco-friendly percussion instrument made from wood and carved coconut coins, producing a bold, clacking rhythm when shaken back and forth. Ideal as a gift for music lovers, it's both functional and decorative, featuring assorted tribal-inspired designs. Easy to play—just grip the center stick and shake—it adds lively texture to any acoustic set or jam session. While fun and durable, it’s not suitable for children under 4 due to small parts; adult supervision is advised. Lightweight, sustainable, and handmade, this Rakatak is a rhythm-ready piece of musical artistry.
Purchase the Rakatak Shaker Here.
Sawan Rakatak
The Sawan Rakatak is a handcrafted jingle stick shaker from Bali, made with natural rattan and metal to produce bright, tambourine-like tones that add texture and rhythm to any musical setting. Its Y-shaped, handheld design makes it easy to use, while its eco-friendly and fair-trade craftsmanship reflects Indonesian cultural roots. Ideal as a gift for musicians or percussionists, this compact 25cm shaker is both functional and visually striking. Lightweight yet sturdy, it’s perfect for world music, acoustic sets, or mindful sound exploration—just shake and let the rhythm flow.
Purchase the Sawan Rakatak Here.
Gourd Rakatak
Experience the traditional rhythms of Africa with the handcrafted Gourd Rakatak from Senegal. Made from natural wood, metal, and calabash rings on a stick, this unique shaker produces a warm, earthy sound that adds authenticity to any musical performance or cultural collection. Each piece is eco-friendly, handmade, and features assorted tribal designs. At approximately 22cm x 16cm, it’s a striking and functional gift for music lovers and percussion enthusiasts seeking organic tones and global inspiration.
Purchase the Gourd Rakatak Here.
Tips for Choosing the Right Rakatak
To choose the right Rakatak, start by knowing your purpose—performance, sound therapy, ritual, or creative exploration. Musicians may prefer seed pod Rakataks for dry, earthy layers, or coconut and metal versions for sharper, clackier tones. For meditative or spiritual use, handmade options using wood, gourd, or shells offer cultural and symbolic depth. Lightweight designs are easier for extended play, while larger ones give deeper resonance. Look for a comfortable grip and solid craftsmanship—fair-trade pieces often bring added meaning and sustainability. Rakataks suit percussionists, sound healers, dancers, and anyone drawn to organic, rhythm-based instruments.
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second-Hand Rakatak
Buying a second-hand Rakatak is a budget-friendly, eco-conscious way to find character-rich instruments—especially if you appreciate vintage or culturally significant designs with mellow, worn-in tones. Many older Rakataks reflect handmade artistry that’s hard to duplicate, but they may show wear like cracked pods, loose stringing, or weakened sound. Organic materials like gourd or coconut also raise hygiene and durability concerns. In contrast, new Rakataks offer clean, consistent performance—great for beginners, performers, and sound healers. Handmade ones, whether new or old, combine cultural value, fair trade ethics, and sustainable materials. Choose new for reliability, second-hand for uniqueness, and handmade for soul and story.
Unique Rakatak Accessories
Enhance your Rakatak experience with a few simple accessories that protect, preserve, and personalize your instrument. A padded pouch or hard case shields delicate seed pods, gourds, or coconut shells during travel, while light oils like linseed or almond keep wooden handles from cracking. Clean regularly with a soft cloth or brush to maintain sound quality. Add a wrist strap for better grip during movement, or a stand or hook for stylish, safe storage. Personal touches like beads or feathers not only reflect cultural roots but also deepen your connection to the instrument’s rhythm and meaning.
Rakatak in Popular Music
The Rakatak is widely used in world, folk, African, and Indonesian music, as well as acoustic and ambient genres, thanks to its earthy, rattling texture that adds natural rhythm and depth to percussive ensembles and ceremonial music. It features prominently in Afrobeat, samba, cumbia, and gamelan traditions, often blending with drums and melodic instruments. Though not always named "Rakatak," similar shakers have been used by artists like Tito Puente, Carlos Santana, and R. Carlos Nakai for their cultural richness and raw percussive tone. Also favored by sound therapists and eco-conscious musicians, handmade Rakataks connect ancient rhythmic traditions with modern, mindful soundscapes.
