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The Importance Of Native American Hand Drums

By Craig Chambers

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 08Sep2011 Word count: 514 Viewed: 125 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

With the beat of the Native American hand drum, there is dancing. The steady and calming inviting beat of the drum is one of the main foundations for Native American music. Throughout time, this has not changed. Native American music has a great bond with the hand drum. These drums hold a very important place in the existence and unique nature of native music.

Various tribes perform different variations, but there is a common sound in the music produced. Native American hand drum frames are made of wood, or a hollowed out log. Rawhide animal skin such as goat, elk and buffalo are stretched across the surface and secured using sinew thongs.

Traditionally, these drums can be large, expanding two to three feet in diameter. This would be the type most commonly used by groups of men during an event such as a powwow. There are also some variations between tribes in which individual drums are used only by men. While most drums are used to produce music, some are simply made as a means of decoration. There are other variations to traditional hand drums like the Iroquois water drum. The water inside this cup shaped drum creates a distinct sound and pitch whenever it is played. Another unique type is the Yaqui drum. It is played with a drum stick and the water acts as the resonator for the sound produced by the drum.

The existence and deep appreciation for Native American hand drums can be attributed to the nature of their music. The drums act as the base and the beat to maintain the pace or speed of performance. The percussion starts very slow and progresses rapidly. It becomes more emphatic and adds a very distinct sound that is significantly unique to traditional Native American music.

Gender roles are also a vital part of drum usage and vary among tribes. Women usually serve as backup singers as well as dancers. There are some traditions in which men are the only ones who are playing. There are also others in which there is a popular belief that the Great Spirit gave the drum to a woman and instructed her to share it with all women.

The rhythmic nature of Native American music is well suited for the beat and dramatic percussion of Native American hand drums. One sided shaman drums are mostly used for ceremonial dances, rituals, as well as storytelling and other traditional activities that define the special culture and the various aspects of the environment.

Powwows and drumming circles are some of the most popular events where hand drums are used. There is also a growing interest in sweat lodge drums and drums used for meditation. There is something very special about Indian drums and many people use them as rustic wall hangings for southwest decor and western home accessories. Native American hand drums bring life and positive energy to any space and surrounding area where they are played. There is almost something magical as you sit and listen to the steady rhythmic sound.

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