| By :
Craig Chambers
There is an important history pertaining to Native American hand drums. While many changes have taken place throughout the years, the drumming circles of these proud people still resonate with pride. It is something as engaging and as appealing as the beat of the drums that they are playing. The voice of Native American hand drums sustained the foundation of Native American music. It could not have stood by vocals alone. Percussion is an essential element to call the music truly Native American. With the beat of our drums, we dance. The calming and inviting beat of the drum is one of the main foundations for Native American music. This music has a great affinity with hand drums and holds a very important place in the existence and unique nature of Native music. Various tribes perform different variations of their music. But there is a common aspect as to how Native hand drums are made. The frame is made of wood, or a hollowed out log. Rawhide animal skins like goat, elk and buffalo are stretched across the surface and secured using sinew thongs. Traditional drums can be large, expanding two to three feet in diameter and used by groups of men. There are also some variations between tribes in which individual drums are used by men. Some drums are used for the purpose of music and some of are also used for decorative purposes. The Iroquois tribe use the water drum for drumming events. The water inside this cup shaped drum creates a distinct sound and pitch whenever it is played. The other type is the Yaqui, played with a drum stick and the water acts as the resonator for the drum. The nature of Native American music is appreciated by many. Other instruments will follow the voice of the drum. The sound of the drumming begins slowly and then gets much more intense. The Native American drum adds a unique and distinct sound to their music. Both women and men enjoy playing the drum, but from tribe to tribe, the use is different. Women usually serve as backup singers as well as dancers. There are some traditions in which men are the 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. This is the reason why women could also use the drums. 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 Native American culture and the various aspects of the environment. Two of the most well known events where drums are played are drumming circles and pow wows. 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, western home accessories cabin decor. If there is a Native American drum present, it will add a flow of life and increased energy.
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