Indian Cedar Pow Wow Drums for Drumming & Décor
Cedar pow wow drums from the Mission Del Rey are made by the Tarahumara Indians at Mission De Rey at 8,000 ft elevation in the Sierra Madre, then transported to El Paso, TX for shipping. Established 9 years ago, the Mission Del Rey is a non profit organization serving the Tarahumara people, preserving their culture through traditional skills. By making these drums available to the “outside world” it raises awareness for the people and gives them an international market place for their crafts.
Cedar Indian pow wow drums are natural hide drums that are not perfect but have a lot of rustic charm. Made by and by the primitive Tarahumara, cedar drums have the individual imperfections indicative of a handcrafted native drum. The natural rawhide drum heads are created with heavy cow hide that is carefully cut and stretched. Once the drum covers are stretched over the frame and while still wet, rawhide lacing is used to lace between the two sides making a diamond pattern on the side of the drum and a perfect compliment for hoop style hand drums.
The look of the lacing over the cedar staves is beautiful. Each hide is different, lighter or darker and with colorations representative of the animal it came from. The cedar staves or slats that make up the drum frame or ring are natural cedar displaying red and light creamy color tones. Each slat is glued in place and sanded smooth. There is also an older traditional drum style which uses quarter round slats that give the drum a scalloped looking side.
Once the drum is completed, the hides are oiled and the cedar drum waxed to bring out all of its natural beauty. Cedar powwow drums have been sent all over the country for pow wows and drumming circles to be used in continuous drumming in many climate zones. The cedar drum’s have a natural deep voice with a strong thud sound. As well as instruments, people also use our Indian drums for rustic furniture.
Native American drums are very popular and are in demand for a variety of reasons. We try to keep at least one of each type in stock in El Paso, but they go fast, especially during Pow Wow season. If you like Native American drums or handcrafts or are looking for a natural hide drum for drumming or décor, you will appreciate the rich culture and beautiful drums made by the Tarahumara Indians.
