maracas. Vilac offers two styles of maracas, a long handled one and a hand-held egg maraca. Perfectly weighted for children, this prehistoric American instrument, traditionally filled with beans, makes a great introduction to simple rhythm exercises and musical accompaniment. French toy company Vilac has been making hardwood toys in classic, old-world style with contemporary colors and designs since 1911. Vilac nourishes childrens imaginative play with animated, joyful characters that will stand up to wear and tear.