Use Native American Hand Drums For Unique Western Style Or In Indian Drumming

Written by Webmaster

Tuesday, 05 February 2008

More info... By Nelson Montana  Because I enjoy home decorating, I have always loved Native American hand drums for their natural beauty when used for western decor, and for the significant role they play in American Indian drum music. Most people I come across are not aware that these hand drums are some of 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. Though all Native American drums have corresponding characteristics about them, you may not realize that native drums differ in many forms according to 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 continues to play 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 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 secured in place with a piece of rawhide lace. Allowed to dry slowly outdoors, the remaining moisture in the hand drum hoop would evaporate, allowing the ring to shrink to the final size. As you study the history of the many tribal hand drums made, you will learn that they were covered on either one, or both sides of the drum hoop with animal skin. Different woods and hides were used depending on the Indian tribe and where they were at geographically, but the most used materials were pine, and goat skin. These days, Native American hand drums are made using a variety of exotic 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 country home decor. Whether hanging on the wall in a cabin or lodge to enhance rustic decor, or simply being used for ceremonial drumming, these Native drums will add great charm 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. Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about using Native American hand drums for Indian drumming and for unique western home accessories. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com Home And Garden Decor Share Your Opinion. (0 posts) Tag it: ?

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 05 February 2008 )

 

< Prev		Next >