American Drum

Selecting Authentic Native American Hand Drums For Playing

As an interior designer, I have always loved Native American hand drums for their natural beauty when used for rustic decor, and for the significant role they play in American Indian drum music. Most people I meet do not realize that these hand drums are among the most famous cultural icons in the world. For hundreds of years, American Indian people relied on their belief in the extraordinary power of these drums for spiritual and healing purposes, and have always thought of the hand drum as a prized possession among all Native American musical instruments.

Even though all Native American drums have comparable characteristics about them, you may not realize that native drums vary in many ways depending on the tribe. Some tribes use the hand drum exclusively in secret ceremonies, whereas in others, they are the main focus of the public event or powwow.

Native people also use these hand held musical instruments for dance, personal meditating and in sweat lodges. No matter how they are used, the hand drum still plays a key role in American Indian music and in Native culture today.

When purchasing one of these beautiful drums to add to your western style home decor or for playing in a drum circle, it is important to choose one made with quality materials similar to the original materials used. The traditional, all natural hand held drums used throughout Native American history, were made of wood cut from a downed tree trunk.

When cut properly, the long thin strip of wood curled to form a ring that measured two to six feet in length, depending on the size of the hand drum desired. Once the drum ring was properly bent, it was held with one end overlapping the other and held in place with a piece of rawhide lacing. Allowed to dry naturally in the open air, the remaining wetness in the hand drum hoop would evaporate, allowing the ring to shrink to the right size.

As you study the history of the many tribal hand drums made, you will notice that they were covered on either one, or both sides of the drum hoop with animal skin. Various woods and hides were used depending on the Indian tribe and where they were located geographically, but the most used materials were pine, and goat skin.

These days, Native American hand drums are made using a variety of animal hides, but traditionally, goat skin rawhide was the preferred skin because of its stretching ability and sound quality.

Now days, you can quickly find Native American hand drums online and in stores that specialize in western and American Indian home decor. Whether placed on the wall in a cabin or lodge to enhance rustic decor, or simply being used for ceremonial drumming and music groups, these Native drums will add great character to your home and environment.

If you are impressed with authenticity and traditional American Indian values, you will definitely enjoy having and displaying authentic Native American hand drums.

About the Author

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and offers free tips online about choosing Native American hand drums for playing in drumming groups and Native ceremonies. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

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