To Native American people the drum is the heartbeat of mother earth, in other words the sound of the drum is like that of a beating heart.
The drum became essential to the spiritual and social lives and is intended to communicate with the gods.
Types of Native American Drums
Over the centuries many different types and styles of Native American drums have been created. These drums involve the use of some type of animal hide and a tree log. They range in size from 12 inches to 3 feet in diameter.
We can categorize Native American drums into 4 different types.
Water Drums
This type of drum involves adding water to the drum to change the sound. The Iroquois tribe is known to use this type of drum. The amount of water inside as well as the wetness and tightness of the tanned hide produce changes in pitch and volume.
The Yaqui water drums are made from a gourd that is cut in half and is placed in a basin of water. The shaman or drummer hits the gourd with a stick and the vibrations that are produced cause the water to resonate.
Foot Drums
Foot drums are hollowed out logs placed over wood pits that produce sound when tapping the top of the drum. Aztec and Hopi Indians were known to use these types of drums.
Hand Drums
These are among the most common Native American drums. There are many varieties, with the most common being the double-sided hoop drum. The hoop drum has rawhide on both sides and is commonly used by Tarahumara Indians in drumming circles.
Powwow Drums
A powwow is an event where Native Americans meet to dance, sing, socialize, and communicate with the spirits in time of need. Powwow drums are a prominent feature at these events. These are usually large drums used for drum circles and have a large sound. They are commonly made of cedar or hardwood, such as maple. They are covered in stretched buffalo or deer hide. During a drum circle, the powwow drum keeps the beat while the others sing along.
Ceremonies
Different styles of drums, along with other instruments, are commonly used in Native American ceremonies. Here are some common types of ceremonies where drums are used.
Peyote Ceremonies
Peyote is a type of small cactus which contains the psychedelic compound mescaline. In the U.S. this substance is illegal to sell, possess, or ingest. The law exempts members of the Native American Church, the primary users, because the peyote is used as a sacred medicine.
During a peyote ceremony, church members ingest the drug and listen to the steady beating of the drum. The drug and the drum beat helps the user combat spiritual, physical, and other social ills. To say this is a mind-blowing experience is an understatement.
Healing Ceremonies
These are ceremonies where drums are used along with dances and songs to open a channel of communication to the spirits. This supposedly helps convey the prayers for healing.
Green Corn Ceremony
Because corn is a stable of Native American society, it became an integral part of the ceremonial life that brings communities together. It is a celebration welcoming the first corn of the season with music, drumming, dancing, and storytelling.
Conclusion
As you can see, the drum, along with other instruments, has played and continues to play an integral part of the Native American culture. At Southwest Arts and Design, we have a variety of Native American drums available for wholesale purchase.