Hand Drums

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August 19th, 2010 admin Leave a comment Go to comments

Hand Drums

Using Native American Hand Drums For Drumming Groups And Rustic Decor

Because I enjoy home decorating, I have always loved Native American hand drums for their simplistic beauty when used for southwestern decor, and for the significant role they play in American Indian drum music. Most people I come in contact with do not realize that these hand drums are some of the most famous cultural representations in the world. For centuries, American Indian people relied on their belief in the special power of these drums for spiritual and healing purposes, and have always considered the hand drum as a prized possession among all Native American musical instruments.

Even though all Native American drums have similar characteristics about them, you may not realize that native drums differ in many ways depending on the tribe. Some tribes use the hand drum exclusively in secret ceremonies, whereas in others, they are the point of interest of the public event or powwow. Native people also use these hand held musical instruments for dancing, 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 buying one of these beautiful drums to add to your western style home decor or for playing in a drum circle, it is wise to choose one made with quality materials similar to the original materials used. The original, all natural hand held drums used throughout Native American history, were made of wood cut from a fallen tree trunk. When cut correctly, 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 secured in place with a piece of raw hide lacing. Allowed to dry slowly in the open air, the remaining moisture in the hand drum hoop would evaporate, allowing the ring to shrink to the exact size.

As you look into the history of the different 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 at geographically, but the most common 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 special stretching and sound quality.

Now days, you can readily find Native American hand drums online and in stores that sell southwestern and country home decor. Whether adorned on the wall in a cabin or lodge to enhance rustic decor, or simply being played for ceremonial drumming, these Native drums will add great character to your home and environment. If you are interested in authenticity and traditional American Indian values, you will certainly enjoy having and displaying authentic Native American hand drums.

About the Author

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to use Native American hand drums for drumming groups and southwestern home decor. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

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