This is a pair of egg shaped, handled maraca which are easy to hold and shake. The small round head design produces a brighter, more focused sound. The handles are made from smooth Rubber wood that feels wonderful to hold. Crafted from chemical free rubber wood with a non-toxic, clear-coat finish over German-made, VOC free water-based paint. At Green Tones we believe that every child is born with an innate musicality and through proper nurturing music will grow in your child. Scientific studies show that music is not only fun but beneficial for critical cognitive development in children. Imagine a thick forest with no clear pathways through it - this is like the developing brain of a child. Now visualize the pathway being forged, neurologically, every time you musically interact with your child. The "music channel" is similar to the "language channel" in the sense that it needs to be stimulated and used every day in order for it to grow and be strong. As one of the oldest professional musical instrument companies, we believe that every day is a good day for music play. At Green Tones we are passionate about providing a musical foundation with a focus on incorporating the highest quality eco-friendly woods that are sustainably produced, beautiful to see and feel and safe for your child. From sustainable products to sustainable packaging to giving 1% of our profits to groups caring for the environment, we are committed to doing the right thing for you, your child and the planet our children will inherit. Green Tones is owned by KHS America, a large professional musical instrument company encompassing school music instruments through professional . As part of a company with such a long-standing tradition of musical excellence, Green Tones maintains the heritage of encouraging active music making through the use of engaging, safe, high-quality child-centered instruments.