Try Native Drums As Rustic Tables For Unique Southwest Design

Looking for a great rustic decorating idea? Native drums used as rustic tables are an incredibly easy and inexpensive way to accomplish true Native design and enhance Indian style in your home. Along with the traditional use of Indian drums as musical instruments in drumming groups and circles, you can use them to add unique, southwestern style to any home. I recently changed the decorating theme in my home, including beautiful pieces of log furniture to give it a true southwest feel, and found that including a Native American drum coffee table and drum end table together with other western style accessories, worked beautifully as accent pieces to my log furnishings.

Maybe you are like me and truly like country style floor drums and log drums to use as rustic tables in interior design and southwestern decor. Indian floor drums are certainly a very real representation of Indigenous society and customs and are widely-used by many Indian tribes for singing, dancing, spirituality and healing ceremonies. Rustic drums for many years, have always been significant to the Native Indian ceremony, such as the powwow, and have helped lay the foundation of religion and spirituality for many Native groups.

As you begin studying the rich history of Native drums, you will realize just how influential they are to the Indian people. For many generations, tribal leaders have used the drum beat as a bridge to get in touch with their creator and with the Spiritual world. Native Americans consider their drums as sacred and deeply respect the living spirit they believe resides within each drum. The Spirit of the drum is believed to speak to the drummer and exemplifies not only life, but also Mother Nature.

Now days, a lot of decorators are bringing these beautiful Native drums into their homes to be used as western style furniture such as rustic tables, coffee tables and end tables. There is something very inviting about adding an authentic piece of furniture such as a drum table to your rustic decor, to embellish American Indian style in your home. You will enjoy decorating with rustic tables because of the uniqueness they create in their environment. Each drum comes from a vibrant historical background that literally enriches the area where it is placed. One of the things you will enjoy most about including a decorative table drum along with your rustic wood furniture is that it is a very real representation of American Indian culture.

If you love country style home decorating, you can easily find Indian drums to use as coffee tables, floor drums and rustic tables, online and in stores that sell southwestern and country home decorating items. No matter which way you choose to use them, it is easy to find Indian style drums that will give true southwest style to the environment in your home. If you are impressed with the rich customs of the American Indians and want to enhance the southwestern furnishings in your ranch style home, you will certainly appreciate decorating with Native drums as rustic tables.

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Choose Native American Rattles For Ceremonial Music

Do you love Native American Rattles and other Indian musical instruments? Rattles are excellent Native American symbols and representations of Indigenous tribes and their unique customs. They are also some of the most popular musical instruments for use in powwows and other ceremonies throughout various Indian tribes. Rattles, for hundreds of years and for most American Indians, have always been part of religion and spirituality as well as for use in public events.

As you read about the fascinating history of American Indians and their use of Native American rattles, you will learn that they play an important role among the Indigenous tribes and are very meaningful to the Indian ceremony in which they are played. It is said that they represent the animal, plant, and mineral kingdoms. The animal kingdom is exemplified in the form of the container or decorative feather of the rattle. The mineral kingdom is represented by the stones that create the sound or also by the paint used for the artwork pictured on the rattle. And, the plant kingdom is represented by the handle.

When studying the uses of Native American rattles and how they are played, you will learn that almost every Indigenous culture including the Navajo culture, use rattles in their ceremonial events. Among the many types of Indian rattles, together with the popular gourd rattles and turtle shell rattles, the simple rawhide rattle is the most used in Native American tribes. The symbols, such as the Navajo bear or Navajo eagle, used in the artwork painted on the rattles, are different with each tribe. You will find it interesting that the various tribes including the Cherokee, Navajo, Apache, Pueblo, Zuni and Hopi, can all be recognized by the variations of the beautiful art on their hand crafts. One thing these people do have in common is that they all use rattles in the many ceremonial rituals and as part of music, dance, medicine and spirituality.

The Indian rattles are really very exquisite and are made using a number of natural materials such as turtle shell, leather, rawhide, bead work and Native American feathers. Fur, fringe, seeds, rocks, antlers, horns, bones and shells are used to give it that unique native style. Clay beads, blue corn, manzanita seeds or small smooth rocks such as those found near the mouth of an ant hill, are also sometimes inserted in the rattles to get the desired sound.

Indigenous people have always used music, songs, stories and legends to communicate their cultural beliefs and customs to each other and to those around them. It is in connection with these forms of learning that rattles have come to be a significant asset to the ritualistic ceremonies of the Indigenous people.

That is why there is nothing more exciting than owning genuine Indian musical instruments and hand crafts. You can easily find Native rattles online and also in stores that sell southwestern decor. If you are fascinated by authentic Indian musical instruments, or are looking for the best instrument to add to your drumming circles or powwows, you will certainly appreciate the wonderful sound of Native American rattles.

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Try Ceremonial Drums For Chic Rustic Home Decor

Ceremonial drums gave my home that great, southwestern look I was trying to achieve. I was so happy with the unique, southwest style that the Native American drums brought to my home, that I began researching and reading about the history and the significant role they play in Indigenous cultures. If you are like me, you have probably seen how significant ceremonial drums are to the American Indian culture but do not know their significance in Native ceremonies or how exactly they are used. Every tribe is different in how they use ceremonial drums but one similarity between each tribe is that the Native drums are very significant and part of the main focal point of the ceremony. Throughout my studies, I have come to find that learning about these drums truly grants you a great appreciation of the Indigenous culture and their customs.

As you start studying about ceremonial drums, you will find it very intriguing that the American Indians think of the ceremonial drum to be sacred. They are most often used in powwows, Shamanic ceremonies and honor ceremonies to call on the Spirits and to connect with their creator. It is believed that each drum has a spirit and that the drum beat signifies the heart beat of Mother Nature. Since the drum is believed to connect the people with the spirit world and lead the a healer in helping his people, you will see that they are commonly used by the healers to enter the mind state, known as the Shamanic journey, needed to communicate with the Spirits.

Also, as you learn about the importance of ceremonial drums in today's culture, you will see that Native Indian drums play a significant role in the preservation of American Indian tribes such as the Tarahumara. Making and selling these rustic style drums gives them the opportunity to earn a living, through selling and trading their cultural hand crafts, and helps them extend the knowledge and traditions of their culture to those who purchase them. The drum making knowledge, passed on from generation to generation in these tribes, teaches the drum makers how to make durable and long-lasting ceremonial drums with elements from the Earth and the environment around them such as pine wood and natural rawhide.

Now days, Native Indian drums are not only used in Indian ceremonies such as Native American drum groups and as Native American musical instruments, but they are also gaining popularity as pieces of decorative art, instruments used in school music classes and even as canvases for Native American art projects and southwestern paintings. Some types of ceremonial drums are also used as southwestern style furniture and western decor, such as the larger powwow drums and pedestal drums that are used as rustic,decorative tables.

Today, it is very easy to find these unique Native American ceremonial drums online and in stores that sell southwestern, western and rustic decor. However you decide to use your ceremonial drum, whether for drumming purposes or in home decorating, you will no doubt be drawn to the beautiful charm and western style of ceremonial drums.

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Choosing Painted Drums For Beautiful Country Home Decorating

If you are searching for an inexpensive, rustic decorating idea, try using the beautiful painted drums made by Native Americans Indians. I was recently looking for a cheap way to redecorate my home and give it a rustic, western flare, and started purchasing wonderful southwestern accessories for rustic home decor. I ended up buying two beautiful painted drums that added the perfect southwest look in my home and enhanced the rustic feel that I was searching for. The thing I like most about these painted drums is how they show a true reflection of Native life and work through the paintings.

Perhaps you are like me and truly appreciate the authentic creativity of Native American art. As you study the origin of these paintings you will love how the artistic spirit of the American Indians is portrayed in the painted drum. The beautiful hand painted drum heads serve as a gallery for the expressions and motives of Native life. Because the American Indian drum artists find their inspiration through the work of their ancestors, owning one of these Native drums allows you the unique privilege of being part of many generations of Native American artists. Each new line of Native drum artists creates their work, mingled with the past, to bring forth a truly unique work of art.

As you learn about the history of painted drums, you will find that animal drums have always been the predominant Native American musical instruments of choice and hold a special significance to these Native people. The medium, with which they work with, varies among drum painters and is a matter of personal preference. Some Indian artists still use hand ground natural dyes, though paint has also become an acceptable medium as traditional drums make room for modern expressions of culture and creativity.

Just like the differences in mediums used to paint the drums, you will also see that drumming traditions differ between tribes. Some tribes play large drums while gathered in a circle around it, while the drums of other tribes are custom and personally decorated by the drummer. Now days it is very difficult to find true ceremonial drums, but the Native American hand drums of the Tarahumara Indians are among the most authentic Native drums suitable for using in drumming circles or for rustic interior design.

Drum painting is definitely a unique art and an important part of the rich heritage of the Indigenous people. The painted drum has come to signify both the drummer and the tribe, as well as preserve the American Indian culture through drawings of nature and legend. If you are drawn to the authentic values of the American Indians, you will no doubt enjoy giving rustic style to your home interior design. You can easily find these beautiful drums online or in stores that sell rustic and southwestern home decor, and bring Native culture to life in your home with the exquisite art of painted drums.

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Use Southwest Bedding For Beautiful Native American Home Decor

Using southwest bedding is an easy way to create beautiful, rustic style in your home. A while ago, I was searching for an inexpensive way to decorate one of the guest rooms in my home and give it a touch of the southwest. I discovered some Indian blankets at a discount linen store and decided to use them as part of the western decor. I liked the country western style they created in the room so much that I decided to use them in all the rooms of my home to give them that impressive, southwest flare you see in designer magazines.

Because I used these blankets and throws everyday as bedspreads, shawls, or as lap blankets, I started reading about the story behind southwestern blankets and began researching their origin. The more I studied, the more interesting the story was. I never realized that although very popular today with home decorators and in modern style homes, southwest bedding for use in southwestern home decor actually grew in the early 1900's, when trade blankets were put on the market.

Most people I come in contact with, believe that the rustic blankets they commonly use for southwest bedding were originally made by Native American Indians. I also believed that, until I began digging deeper into the beginnings of these southwestern style blankets and discovered that, although Native Americans were the main inspiration for the designs and production of trade blankets, they were not made by them.

In fact, as you research the interesting history of southwestern blankets, you will learn that they were actually made by machines, and produced by large weaving companies for the sole purpose of supplying the Indians with needed blankets. These western blankets were then sold to the frontier trading posts where the Native people would buy and trade them and use them to wrap themselves in instead of a modern coat or jacket.

Something you will also find interesting as you research the history of trade blankets to use as western bedding, is that as women became more interested in home decorating in the early 1900's, southwest decorating and western designs grew in popularity. These "Indian blankets" as they came to be called, were sought after by people across the nation who used them for southwest bedding and as decorative couch or chair covers to enhance Native American home decor. The Indian trade blankets were used for covering exposed legs when in a wagon, sleigh or buggy, and in the new horseless carriages. Later on, they were used as throws for camping, sporting events and a new hobby called motoring.

Now days, you can easily buy southwest bedding online and in places that sell western and Native American home decor. Whether used as a rustic bedspread, blanket or bed throw, southwest bedding will add great charm to your home and decor. If you are impressed with authenticity and traditional Native American values and are searching for an easy way to enhance western style in your rustic home decor, then you will no doubt enjoy owning and decorating with southwest bedding.

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Choose Native American Hand Drums For Southwest Decor and American Indian Drumming

Because of my career in interior design, I have always loved Native American hand drums for their simplistic beauty when used for rustic decor, and for the significant role they play in American Indian drum music. Most people I come across do not realize that these hand drums are some of the most famous cultural representations in the world. For centuries, American Indian people relied on their belief in the unique power of these drums for spiritual and healing purposes, and have always considered the hand drum as a prized possession among all Native American musical instruments.

Though all Native American drums have comparable characteristics about them, you may not realize that native drums are different in many forms according to tribe. Some tribes use the hand drum exclusively in secret ceremonies, whereas in others, they are the focal point of the public event or powwow. Native people also use these hand held musical instruments for dancing, 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 choosing one of these beautiful drums to add to your western style home decor or for playing in a drum circle, it is wise to choose one made with quality materials similar to the original materials used. The original, all natural hand held drums used throughout Native American history, were made of wood cut from a downed tree trunk. When cut correctly, the long thin strip of wood curled to make 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 held in place with a piece of rawhide lacing. Allowed to dry slowly in the open air, the remaining wetness in the hand drum hoop would evaporate, allowing the ring to shrink to the final size.

As you look into the history of the different tribal hand drums made, you will notice that they were covered on either one, or both sides of the drum hoop with animal skin. Various woods and hides were used depending on the Indian tribe and where they were located geographically, but the most used materials were pine, and goat skin. These days, Native American hand drums are made and come in a variety of exotic hides, but traditionally, goat skin rawhide was the preferred skin because of its special stretching and sound quality.

Now days, you can readily find Native American hand drums online and in stores that sell western and country home decor. Whether placed 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 character to your home and environment. If you are inspired with authenticity and traditional American Indian values, you will definitely enjoy having and displaying authentic Native American hand drums.

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Use Pow Wow Drums For Indian Drumming Circles Or Rustic Decor

Did you ever think about the meaning behind the pow wow drums used in native ceremonies? I did, but never realized that they played such a big role in the Native Indian culture until I had the opportunity to see one of these events, and started talking to the American Indian singers about the important part the pow wow drum plays in the ceremony. Native drum groups realize the importance and significant role of this type of drum in their culture, but most people I come across have only a small idea of why the native drum music is played and what it is used for. Because it is considered to be the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the tool used to call on the Spirits, the pow wow drum is, understandably, the center of the Native American ceremony.

If you ever have an opportunity to go to one of these spiritual events, you will certainly be amazed to watch how this American Indian drum is played during the ceremony. Made from a large base and covered with cow, deer or buffalo raw hide, the pow wow drum is played by eight or more men that strike the drum with drum strikers as they sing songs, often sung in the Native American language. These singers are responsible for knowing the songs necessary for the ceremony and for the songs asked of them by the singing leader.

You can also come across the powwow drum and singers at dances, ceremonies and other events where a pow wow is needed. The Native Americans regard these events and the native drums to be sacred. Since the drum was first given to the people by a woman, they are believed to carry her spirit and are greatly respected for this reason. The people's deep cultural beliefs make the Spirit world a very real part of these ceremonies and a time when they connect with their creator.

Today, you will not only find Native American pow wow drums being played in native drumming circles but will also find that they are very popular in rustic home decorating and western interior design. Many home owners, wanting to create balance and peace in their rustic style home decorating, find that the powerful presence of the pow wow drum does just that. Because of their popularity in country and southwestern home decorating, it is easy to find powwow drums online and in stores that sell Native American drums and other rustic home decor items.

Whether using your pow wow drum in native drum groups or adding it along with your rustic home decor, it is important to handle it with great honor and the respect that it deserves. There is really no incorrect form of expression when using your pow wow drum as long as it is done properly and out of respect to the spiritual role it plays among the Native people. You can open the door to the spiritual world in your Native American drum circles or create joy and balance in your southwestern home decor through the powerful presence enhanced by pow wow drums.

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Select A Southwest Table Runner For Rustic Style Decorating

A Southwest table runner is an easy way to bring out that one-of-a-kind western, rustic or Native American feel in your home decor. Because of their wide versatility, many home decorators are choosing to buy their southwest table runner online. Used as western accents and also southwestern accessories, in dining rooms or when decorating a cabin or log home with a rustic or western theme, southwestern table runners give your home that rustic appeal and a beautiful authentic Native American look. When purchasing American Indian style table runners, you will find a wide variety making it simple to use a western table runner and you will no doubt want to put a few of the most popular and sought-after runners or table rugs in your home decor. These table runners have a rich history that has changed over time and can truly be appreciated as pieces of art.

Some of the most popular southwestern and western table runners, in Navajo patterns, each type of runner combines a variety of colors and characters, symbolizing spirituality or depictions of historical events and a variation of colors and designs.

Not only is a southwest table runner appreciated for its great beauty, but the skill and hard work involved in making Native table runners is also very impressive. The makers of hand woven table runners work very hard and begin the runner making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom. The designs are then placed by using a shuttle to weave a variety of colored yarn together, making geometric characters and designs. Initially, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were made of hand spun cotton thread. However, after the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the region by the Spanish settlers, the people mainly used wool to create their colorful rugs, table runners and other traditional weaving.

Today, many of the modern southwest table runners come from areas where Spanish and Native American histories joined together to create beautiful designs. Southwestern table runners, with their rich earth tone colors and unique southwestern designs make them excellent for rustic home decorating. If you are searching for great southwestern decor, you will likely purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Buying western table runners from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only gives you the satisfaction of owning a southwest table runner that is made by Indians but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug making, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, runners, and Native American art.

The table runner you purchase will greatly depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you have in mind. You will find that a southwest table runner is an excellent southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home decor. Whether you are changing your home decor or decorating a whole home using a southwestern theme, you will find many designs and colors available to choose from. Among these options you will be able to choose from Zapotec runners with no two alike, to southwest table runners with southwestern style. Home decorators love hand woven wool table runners because of the variety of colors and textures. Whatever your style and whatever your decorating needs, you will no doubt enjoy the warmth and color brought to life in your home by decorating with a southwest table runner.

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Choosing Native American Drums For Unique Rustic Decorating

Native American drums are without a doubt the most recognizable Native instruments among Indian and non Native American people alike. Drums for hundreds of years have always been at the center of American Indian lifestyle, forming what is now the vehicle of religion and spirituality as well as special days where a pow wow drum is at the center.

Indian leaders in North America history have all used drums in various ways to communicate with a higher power known to most as the Great Spirit. To Native people, Indian drums are much more than just decorations or interesting musical instruments. American Indian drums are thought to speak to the drummer. Native drums being made in a circle represent the earth and life. The most identifiable being hoop drums and shaman drums which are Indian hand drums used in many personal healing and religious ceremonies as well as public ceremonies such as a Native American powwow.

The animal skin that is stretched over the ring brings with it unique characteristics of the spirit of the animal and brings a sense of life to the drum when played. Many people think of hitting a drum to make a sound, but to Indian drummers and those involved in modern drumming groups and drum circles, the desire is to draw out the sound. The beating drum is compared to the beating of a human heart and is said to represent the heart beat of the earth which is a belief that is classic Native American. Drums in this way become the vehicle to connect one's spirit with that of the earth and the Great Spirit through out the history of American Indians.

Native American drums have a beautiful culture and because they are so important they are used in not only music but art and dance as well. Decorating a drum becomes a very personal artwork to the owner. The Indian drummer becomes an artist and communicates impressions of his inner feelings and beliefs which adorns his drum. Some American Indian tribes use pictures of animals to decorate their drums and others use geometric patterns and everything in between. In some Native cultures the drummer will place some item of personal value inside the drum to permanently join himself with his hand drum.

The different Native American pictures that the artwork on the drums depict is often painted with natural earth colors taken from nature. Some are dull and others are bright coming from flowers, roots, berries, bark or herbs that are boiled to release their unique earth tones. Other Native American drums are decorated with iron oxide which is a naturally occurring red rock that can be easily crushed. When mixed with water, it produces a rich orange red dye that is much like paint and is indicative if the surrounding hillsides and rock formations like those of the beautiful Arizona red rock canyons. The region of Sedona is thought to be a special place with spiritual energy like the energy created by American Indian drums.

The direction of Native American Education except for those Indian boarding schools that have tried to stamp out Indian has always involved the sharing of beliefs through music, songs, stories and legends. It is in harmony with these methods of learning that the communication and cultural importance has been found in the use of drums. If you are interested in the spiritual aspects of life as pertain to Indian beliefs, you will get a lot out of owning and playing Native American drums.

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Use Shaman Drums For Beautiful Southwestern Home Decor

Want to give your home authentic southwestern style decor? Try including Shaman drums along with your rustic home furnishings like I did. My love for these unique, American Indian drums began right after my husband and I purchased our new home last year. We knew that because of our love for the old west, we wanted true southwestern and Native American style home decor with original rustic home furnishings. Once that was decided I started filling my new home with unique western and country pieces that would match my southwest decor and entertain my visitors by telling a story at the same time. That is when I discovered how easy it was to give my home that chic southwest style that you see in designer home magazines, by decorating with shaman drums.

Maybe you are like me when I first began learning about the symbolic meaning of Native American drums, and have only a vague idea of what the Shamans drum is. Or, maybe you are wondering how to purchase the best drum to use in your Shaman drum circle. Whatever the case, it is necessary to understand the significance this raw hide drum plays in Native American culture so you can develop a true appreciation for its art and let its power influence you in the right direction.

If you are lucky enough to be part of a Shamanic ceremony you will notice that the Shaman, or spiritual leader, will beat a unique looking raw hide hand drum with a soft drum stick to create the soothing monotonous beat used to take him to an altered mental state. During this altered state of mind, called the Shamanic journey, the Shaman receives healing and spiritual powers he uses to help his people. If you look closely at the Shaman's drum you will see that unlike many other leather Native American drums used during tribal ceremonies, these rustic drums have natural raw hide, stretched over a wooden frame on one side and are laced with raw hide string on the other side. They don't have the loop hold like many other ceremonial drums do. A drum made in this way allows for a natural hand holding position so you can be in full contact with the drum and easily manipulate the sound that is vital in bringing out the right tones needed to lead you on your Shamanic journey.

You will also see that many Shaman drums have symbolic painted designs on the rawhide playing surface. These unique American Indian paintings often depict a map of the universe or symbols of spiritual powers you can use to aid you in your spiritual journeying experience. If you are choosing the drum for Shamanic work, take time to study the symbolic meaning of the painting. Since the southwestern designs have spiritual power that directs the journey, you want to make sure it is in agreement with your own practices and guides you in that direction.

Also, I think its very important to check the quality of the drum before purchasing. It's important to check that there are no thin places at the points where the cords of the drumhead are attached. This is vital to the quality and life of your Shaman drum and will save you money in the long run by not having to have it repaired or buy a new one.

Most of the focus is placed on the drum alone but it's also important to choose the appropriate striking mallet so you can enjoy the rich sound of these native drums to its fullest. You will see that there are many different types of mallets that pull out different sounds from the drum and although I personally like using a mallet with a fur covered head, it is a matter of personal experience. Whether you are looking for Native American musical instruments such as drums as part of your home decor or are using it to lead you in your spiritual journey, you will no doubt be mesmerized by the authentic Native American style and southwest charm brought to your life and home by Shaman drums.

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Powwow Native American Drums - The Soul Of Indian Tribal Heritage

Native American drums are certainly the most recognized Native American instruments among American Indians and non Indian people alike. Drums for centuries have certainly been at the hub of Native lifestyle, forming what has become the foundation of religion and spirituality as well as feast days where a pow wow drum is at the center.

Indian Shaman in North America history have all used drums in various ways to connect with a higher power known to most as the Great Spirit. To Native people, Indian drums are much more than just decorations or interesting musical instruments. American Indian drums are believed to speak to the drummer. Native drums being made in a circle represent the earth and life. The most well known being hoop drums and shaman drums which are Indian hand drums used in many personal healing and religious ceremonies as well as public ceremonies such as a Native American powwow.

The animal hide that is stretched over the ring brings with it unique characteristics of the spirit of the animal and brings a sense of life to the drum when played. Many people think of hitting a drum to make a sound, but to Indian drummers and those involved in modern drumming groups and drum circles, the desire is to draw out the sound. The beating drum is compared to the beating of a human heart and is said to represent the heart beat of the earth which is a belief that is classic Native American. Drums in this way become the foundation to connect one's spirit with that of the earth and the Great Spirit through out the history of Native Americans.

Native American drums have a rich culture and because they are so important they are used in not only music but art and dance as well. Decorating a drum becomes a very personal artwork to the owner. The Indian drummer becomes an artist and communicates impressions of his inner feelings and beliefs which adorns his drum. Some American Indian tribes use animals to decorate their drums and others use geometric patterns and everything in between. In some tribal Indian cultures the drummer will place some item of personal value inside the drum to permanently join himself with his hand drum.

The different Native American pictures that the artwork on the drums depict is usually painted with natural earth colors taken from nature. Some are dull and others are bright coming from flowers, roots, berries, bark or herbs that are boiled to release their unique earth tones. Other Native American drums are adorned with iron oxide which is a naturally occurring red rock that can be easily crushed. When mixed with water, it produces a rich orange red dye that is much like paint and is indicative if the surrounding hillsides and rock formations like those of the beautiful Arizona red rock canyons. The region of Sedona is thought to be a special place with spiritual energy like the energy created by American Indian drums.

The desire of Native American Education except for those Indian boarding schools that have tried to stamp out Indian has always involved the sharing of beliefs through music, songs, stories and legends. It is in harmony with these methods of learning that the communication and cultural importance has been found in the use of drums. If you are interested in the spiritual aspects of life as pertain to Indian beliefs, you would get a lot out of using and playing Native American drums.

Craig Chambers is a drum expert who sells genuine Native made Native American drums for hand drumming and rustic southwest home decor. He also gives away loads of free Native American drum tips and resources on his website www.missiondelrey.com

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Moving sounds of Native American Drums

Moving sounds of Native American Drums <a href="native-american-drums.html">Native American drums</a> such as those made by the Tarahumara Indians have a wonderful variation of tone across the surface of the drum head. As well as <a href="native-american-pedestal-drums.html">pedestal drums"</a> and <a href="native-american-pow-wow-drums.html">pow wow drums</a>, including <a href="http://www.missiondelrey.com/native-american-hoop-drums.html">Indian hoop drums</a> are made by hand with natural rawhide rather than modern materials and the characteristics of the sound they create are quite unique weather for powwow or personal drumming groups.

People who play Indian drums vary the tone of the drum in two or three ways. This is done mainly by the strength of the strike with the drum beater against the head and then also by where they strike the drum. By alternating the striking point from near the drum’s center to closer to the edge, the drummer can control the tone and volume of native drums very well. A skilled drummer will also alter the sound waves by using his hand to either stop the resonance all together between beats or by very lightly touching the hide, cause a variety of subtle changes in the tone.

Players of Native drums also use different tom toms or beaters depending on the sound they want to achieve. It is quite noticeable that a hard or soft head on the beater brings forth a quite different sound even on the same drum. The soft drum stick delivers a softer and lower thud sound while a hard beater yields a higher and more ringing tone with much greater resonance.

Shamanic drums have become well recognized because of the artful use of <a href="http://www.missiondelrey.com/native-american-shaman-drums.html">shaman drums</a> in natural medicine such as healing and physical, mental and emotional therapy. The rhythm of Indian drums has also been said to align ones inner self, free the spirit and restore a sense of harmony to life.

Tarahumara Indian drums are primitive Native American drums, using goat skin which has unique stretching and sound qualities. The rawhide drum skins are prepared according to traditional methods that are the closely guarded secrets of the drum makers and used as <a href="http://www.missiondelrey.com/ceremonal-drums.html">ceremonial drums</a> during festivals.

The hide is stretched and laced onto the traditional bend wood pine frame or hoop at just the right tension to create an Indian hoop drum with optimum sound and still allow for residual stretching. Genuine rawhide goat skin is a natural "live" material with unique drumming qualities. It moves, expands and contracts with changing temperatures and can be repeatedly tightened with heat. It has an infinite variety of subtle veining and color tone and its rich luster becomes more beautiful with age.

In the hands of a skilled drummer, these Indian drums speak, delivering tones that are subtle and spiritual or pounding with excitement. Striking the drum in a variety of ways, with varying intensity of sound, Tarahumara shaman drums seem to touch one's inner being. During the pounding enthusiasm of their ceremonies with perhaps 100 drummers, the percussion of hand drums fills the air and beats within the chests of the surrounding participants as hearts adjust their rhythm to the Indian drums.

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Care of Natural Native American Drums

Rawhide Indian drums are very durable and can be played for extended periods of time. The only concern for Indian hand drums made of rawhide it that they not get wet. Native rawhide drums actually use stretched skin and do well in conditions that our own skin likes. This is true for any shaman drum, hoop drum or frame drum as they are called that is made with untanned rawhide. Some modern hand drums made with non-natural materials have different properties.

Store the drum in a cool, dry place. If exposed to high humidity, hoop drums may temporarily lose their tone, becoming loose. The tone can be restored by heating the instrument slowly in front of a fire, by using a hair dryer on hot. Be careful not to over heat a drum, but they can stand slightly higher heat than the human hand can tolerate.

Heat is the enemy of rawhide Indian drums. Do not make the mistake of leaving a natural stretched animal skin drum closed in a car or in a window with direct sun. Heat and dryness may split the head. If you transport a drum through a dry climate you can keep it in a plastic bag with a slightly damp piece of paper towel enclosed. In a humid climate you can preserve the tone of a drum by sealing it in a plastic bag. After shipping, transporting or rain storms the heating or drying/tightening process will probably need to be repeated. Most drummers will dry their drum before their drumming group meets for best sound quality.

Many people love to see their drums when not drumming and use them as décor. Hanging on a wall or shelf is fine. But remember to avoid heat sources like a radiator or heating vent or where there is direct sun or high temperature. It is best never to store a rawhide Indian drum in plastic because it needs to breath.

<a href="http://www.missiondelrey.com/native-american-drums">Native American drums</a> can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth. Remember not to over dampen the rawhide unless you have time for it to slowly air dry to re tighten. Occasional oiling with neatsfoot oil especially on the points where the lacing joins the drum head is helpful. The oil should be rubbed into the hide using very little oil rather than saturating the hide. If you have painted drums avoid rubbing the actual decoration. With a little care, you will enjoy and get the most from your Indian drums.

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Native American Drums - Culture Care & Use

Native American Drums - Culture Care & USe The best kept secret for Native drums, anyone interested in affordable authentic Native American drums should consider the superior sound and value of Tarahumara ceremonial drums. Hand made in primitive tradition, with hand bent pine hoops and genuine hand laced rawhide, they are beautiful and perfect for drumming circles, school music classes and as canvases for Native American art projects.

The world renouned Tarahumara Indians of the Sierra Madre mountain range inhabit a nearly inaccessible region of the copper canyon area bearing their name, Sierra Tarahumara. Today the Tarahumara live in caves and rock out-cropping as well as in small wood and stone cabins in remote areas. Said to be North America’s most primitive people, they live a simple life without modern technology. The Tarahumara use the drums as a call to gather the people. On a clear night during their festivals, you can hear the sound of these Native American drums drifting throughout the mountain villages for miles.

Tarahumara drums play an important part in the preservation of their culture. As they have done for generations before them the modern Tarahumara make their drums in the old way. Fashioned by hand, a piece of native yellow pine is carefully sought after with just the right characteristics. Once the proper piece is selected, it is shaved to a thickness which allows it to be bent into the shape of the drum hoop. Securing the two ends together with rawhide or now days, heavy gauge wire, the hoop is ready. For the heads, heavy goat skin rawhide is selected and soaked until soft and workable. Once the hide has been scraped clean it is stretched over the drum ring and laced with matching rawhide. Then the still soft and wet drum is allowed to slowly air dry causing the rawhide to tighten around the hoop frame. Goat skin rawhide is thin and durable providing a very strong tone for drumming. Anyone desiring a Native made, natural hide drum would enjoy the rich tone and culture of the Tarahumara drums.

If you are fortunate enough to own one of the traditional Native American drums of the Tarahumara, you know what a thunderous sound they can produce. If you are not familiar with Tarahumara drums or if you have never used a natural hide drum, it is important to understand how they respond to their environment.

Natural rawhide drums loosen in times of humidity and tighten when heated. The native people heat the drums in front of a fire before using, to ensure maximum sound quality. The tighter the hide, the stronger the sound will be. In a modern setting, a hair dryer is the quickest and easiest way to dry a drum for use. Simply start in the center and work toward the edges of the drum. It only takes two minutes, restores the hide to the proper tension and can be repeated as often as necessary to be enjoyed for many years.

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Native American Drums Celebrations, music & Healing

One of the ways Native Americans celebrate is through music, particularly through the music of the Native American flute and <a href="http://www.missiondelrey.com/native-american-drums.html">Indian drums</a>. Mothers of small children often find that Native American flute music is very soothing for their babies. Songs played on the Indian flute can be introduced during naptime and before bedtime to calm children down. Experts have also recommended Native American flute music to families with small babies that have a hard time getting to sleep as a way to prepare them for sleep. It is often difficult for small babies to adjust to the confusion and noise created by a large number of people at special occasions, and playing Native American flute music can help to calm a baby down in these circumstances. Adults also enjoy the music of the Native flute. It is easy to find interesting and unique Native American flute music on the Internet, since many online stores offer selections of alternative music. It is also possible to purchase Native American flutes and sheet music.

Many of the ancient cultures of the world celebrate and adhere to one or another form of Shamanism. This is a tribal healing tradition where a Shaman is said to transcend the boundaries of our conscious world and travel to a world unknown to the ordinary man. Shamans are then experts employed by animistic societies to work on behalf of ordinary men. The difference between the ordinary man and the Shaman is that while the man is possessed by spirits, the Shaman seems to be able to control the spirits in varying degrees. Native Americans are said to perform Soul Flights to heal. In Tibet, the Shaman uses a drum to help them in soul retrieval. Shamanism has also found a place in modern day healing because of the importance it places in the areas of the soul, mind and spirit. Shamanic healing includes many forms including pain relief, anxiety and stress reduction and emotional or mental healing.

The most well known celebration of Native American Indians is the pow wow which is an occasion filled with colorful ceremonial dress and regalia designed and worn by each dancer that articipates. The different American Indian tribes each have their traditional costume. Each dancer performs to the beat of the Indian drums and the Indian chants by fellow tribal gatherers. Native American tribes and their particular festivals, ceremonies and celebrations are not limited to the United States of America, but other Indian tribes are also present from Canada to South America. One of the most famous is the Tarahumara Indian festival of Semana Santa where ceremonial hoop drums are painted with natural red stain and used by drummers during the ceremony.

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Native American Drum Sound

We recently had a lady involved in a drumming circle asked if Native drums have a variation of sound or if they are consistant across the surface of the drum.

<a href="http://www.missiondelrey.com/native-american-drums.html"> Native american drums</a> are made with natural hides rather than modern man-made materials and the sound charactoristics are different.

People who drum with <a href="http://www.missiondelrey.com/indian-drums.html">Indian drums</a> vary the tone of the drum in two ways. First by the strength of the strike with the beater and then also by where they strike the drum. By alternating the strike point from drum center to the edge of the drum, the drummer can control the tone and volume of native drums.

I've also noticed that drummers use different tom tom's or beaters. It is quite noticable that a hard or soft head on the beater brings forth a different sound even on the same drum. The soft drum stick delivers a softer thud sound while a hard beater yields a more ringing tone with a noticable resonance.

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Native American Indian drums

Indian drums of the Tarahumara Indians are fashioned by hand. These Indian drums are said to be made by North Americas most primitive people, inhabiting caves and cliff dwellings.

Tarahumara Indian drums are primitive Native American drums of goat skin which has unique stretching and sound qualities. The rawhide Indian drums skins are prepared according to traditional methods that are the closely guarded secrets of the drums makers.

The drums hide is stretched and laced onto the traditional bend wood pine frame. The tension creates Indian drums with optimum sound. Genuine rawhide goat skin is a natural "live" material with unique drumming qualities. Natural rawhide Indian drums expand and contract with changing temperatures and can be repeatedly tightened with heat. Rawhide Indian drums have an infinite variety of subtle veining and color tone and their rich luster becomes more beautiful with age. Indian drums can be heard drifting throughout mountain villages for miles.

In the hands of a Tarahumara, these Indian drums speak. They deliver tones that are subtle and spiritual or pounding with excitement by striking the drum in a varieey of ways with varying intensity of sound. Tarahumara Indian drums seem to touch one's inner being. During the pounding enthusiasm of their ceremonies with perhaps 100 drummers, the percussion of hand drums fills the air and beats within the chests of surrounding participants as hearts adjust their rhythm to the drums.

Interested in primitive, Native made natural hide Indian drums? You would appreciate the rich culture of the Native American Indian drums of the Tarahumara people.

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How to Paint A Native American Drum

As you can see from our website we offer a variety of painted drums that reflect many different images from Native American life and nature. While selecting a personal drum that is painted is easiest for most people, it can also be very fulfilling to customize a drum yourself, to get creative and express yourself on your drum in a way that pleases you.

From time to time people interested in hand drums for drumming circles as well as for rustic southwest or western home decorating ask about how to decorate their drums. Some add feathers and beads especially if the drum is purely decorative. Throughout history Native Americans have also decorated their drums with paint originally made using natural dyes from nature. In modern times advanced paints have become the medium of choice.

Painting an Indian drum is pretty straight forward. There is really no preparation necessary, but for the best finish, some people sand the hide first, but it’s not necessary. You don't have to and most people usually don't. An exception to this might be if there are patches of hair left on the hide. Most people like the look thinking it adds character but if it causes a problem it can be trimmed with a straight edge razor blade and sanded smooth with fine sand paper.

Different types of drums have different types of hides with various thicknesses. Our Tarahumara hand drums are made using goat skin rawhide and our floor and pow wow drums are made using cowhide. Rawhide is different than tanned leather. Rawhide is affected by moisture and humidity. For example if you put the drum in water, the hide will turn soft again, then when removed will dry and be rigid again. This character of rawhide plays a part in considering how to paint a hand drum. With heavy hide, it takes a lot more moisture to affect the drum than a thin goat skin rawhide drum.

It is possible to paint a drum using water based paints such a acrylic or latex but the brush strokes need to be few and light because the water in the paint will begin to soften the hide. If you apply a thick coat of water paint you will see the hide begin to sag from the moisture. When it dries completely it will be fine again. For that reason and for durability most people who choose to paint their drums choose to use oil based paint. Artist oils give you a wide range of color choices and can be thinned to give the appearance of a wash or transparent look, popular in spirit painting. Or, you can use it thicker for an opaque look like in Northwest and Eskimo drums, depending on what you want to accomplish in your design.

Some people add a finish coat of clear over the paint or wax to make the colors more vivid and to help protect the art work, but others leave the finished painting just as it is. Oil paint will also have a tendency to have a longer drying time on rawhide than on canvas and should be allowed to slowly air dry. Otherwise, painting a Native drum is basically the same as painting on other surfaces. The texture of rawhide is different but as you begin to paint and get a feel for the brush on the rawhide drum surface you will quickly see how to best control the brush to achieve the look you want and will soon realize that most techniques used in painting on other surfaces will work on rawhide as well. Remember, to have fun and enjoy painting your new drum. © Copyright Mission Del Rey

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Native American Drum Ceremonies

Native drum ceremonies are very important to the Native American people and have always been an expression oftheir heritage and beliefs. In the past, these ceremonies were a regular part of life, depicting in ritual style the many facets of Native life. Today they still exist for the same reasons and are an importnt way for native people to stay in touch with not only each other but alsos their roots in a world that is modernizing around them.

There have been many native tribes, some now lost, but many still in existence and each of them used the drum in ceremonies of some sort. While the specific use of the drum and the way in which it is used can vary from tribe to tribe and culture to culture, one thing that does not change is the fact that the drum is very significant playing a central role in the commumity.

To understand the great importance of the drum and its use in ceremonies, you need to understand what type of Native American ceremonies are held and how the drums are used. In most communal gatherings or public ceremonies, the drum is the centerpiece of most Native ceremonies.

<h2>Types of Ceremonies</h2>
The types and styles of drum ceremonies vary from tribe to tribe but here are some sample Native American drum ceremonies that have gained recognition over time:

• The Ghost Dance
• The Pipe Ceremony
• The Purification Ceremony
• The Vision Quest
• The Sundance
• The Naming Ceremony
• The Smudging
• The Winter Dance
• Rites of Passage Ceremony
• Salmon Spirit Ceremony
• The Making of Relations Ceremony
• Earth Day Ceremony
• Giving of Possessions Ceremony

Each ceremony is special and unique in its own way and to its own people. All Native American tribes did not have all of these ceremonies and those that do, may have held them in different ways or under different scenarios. One thing that always remains the same, however, is that the Native American drum is involved.

The Native American culture has always been a big believer in the circle of life and many believe that the drum beat represents the heart beat of the animals that went into making the drum and also of Mother Earth herself. This is why the drum is played so often in powwows and spiritual and religious ceremonies. Drum beats used in these ceremonies come from a variety of different drum types made with various woods and animal hides.

In the ceremony, the beat of the drum is significant, as is the drum itself. It is honored and held to be scared. There are even certain rules and expectations of the drum bearer and anyone who comes in contact with the drum during the ceremony.

<h2>Different Drum Beats</h2>
Hoops drums, pedestal or floor drums, pow wow drums and more all have their uses individually or simultaneously to create a beautiful, rhythmic beat of song during the ceremony. Often you can recognize the type of ceremony by the sound of the drums and the beat they carry. The type of drum and the material used to make the drum will affect the sound that it produces but the sound is also created by the user and how they beat the drum or draw the sound from the drum, as well as how hard, how often, etc.

All of these details make the drum come alive to the drummer as well as other participants in the ceremony and members of the tribe. The drum is often associated with song and dance as well as celebration. Drum beats live in the heart and soul of every Native American today. Copyright © Mission Del Rey.

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The Healing Power of Native American Drums

Native American drums have always held a mystical place in Native culture. Native drums mean different things to different people even though most all Indian people or their ancestors used ceremonial drums. This article contains the unsolicited advice from the owner of Tarahumara Indian drums who uses drums for healing. Shamanism and shaman drums are also gaining in popularity but in his experience, the Native American drums of the Tarahumara were the most powerful he has ever owned. Here are his comments:

I once owned a hoop drum I believe was Tarahumara. I am interested in a "shaman" drum, the largest one possible. I use drums in healing Ceremonies. Fact is, though I am a convert to Christianity, I am also a Native American and though it is sometimes hard to explain to Christian Clergy that sacred articles such as drums have a different energy when made by a Christian convert depending on which denomination they have converted to. Our songs are prayers and all must be just so if positive results are to be achieved.
Please bear in mind with the majority of Christian conversion or partial conversion there is no clash in energy whatsoever and with two particular Christian religious groups the energy is simply negated, the article is as devoid of energy as a curb stone. This can be fine as energy can be added, but it is not as good or as effective as the power imparted by those who still live close to the earth and walk the road of their ancestors.

All through America these days people pick, choose and blend ideas and spiritualities from various origins. It has been my discovery that this can be risky business. Such matters are not to be taken lightly. For instance, in my healings I have encountered "Wicca Christians," actually quite common. One might equate this to my favorite drink during puberty: a strawberry milkshake with jalapeno salsa and diced black olives mixed in. At the time, it worked for me. I do not judge, but performing healing on such people is a delicate matter. The Tarahumara drum I had was probably the most powerful and energy neutral I have ever owned.

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Reaching the Tarahumara Native American Drums

Native American drums have long been a part of the Tarahumara culture. Reaching the Tarahumara Indians and the Mission Del Rey area to hear their native drums proved quite a challenge early on. The following is an account of one of the first explorers to reach the area in the late 1800's. Photograph circa 1890

Climbing, climbing, climbing, one massive cordon after another, at the start through dense oak thickets, and over hills flattened and eroded with countless deep, precipitous gashes seaming the rock in every direction. Numerous springs oozed and trickled from the stratified conglomerate along the edges, sides, and bottoms of the ravines. The tops of some of these truncated knolls were quite swampy in the depressions, and covered with a thin-stemmed feathery grass. Here and there was a clump of scrub oaks; sparsely scattered about were small pines.

We found great numbers of Opuntia Missouriensis, called by the Mexicans nopal; small mesquite shrubs, too, are seen everywhere, while the resurrection plant covers great areas, like the heather on the Scotch hills. Here are also found century plants, or agaves, and many species of small ferns, such as the graceful maidenhair. In the larger water-courses are poplars and maples, now presenting their most brilliant hues, and carrying the thoughts of the Americans back to their Northern homes.

~The call of the Native American drums seemed to make the Chambers family feel much the same way on their fist assent into the canyon highlands in the late 1900's. Foot paths have given way to dirt roads, but were nearly impassable. Many areas were unable to be reached during the rainy season when dirt turned to deep mud and countless hours were spend digging out. The Native Tarahumara drums we heard on summer nights were much different than that of the Cherokee and more closely resembled the Apach drums from the early days when Geronimo and his band roamed the high plateaus of the barrancas del cobre or copper canyon canyon.~

Thus we advanced for about six miles and made camp, at an elevation of 6,300 feet, on some old trincheras, with a fine view over the vast country we had left below. Large flocks of gray pigeons of remarkable size squatted on the pine trees nearby, and two specimens of the gigantic woodpecker we here observed for the first time. Here, too, Mr. Robinette shot a new species of squirrel, Sciurus Apache. It was large, of a pale grayish-yellow color varied with black, and having a long, full and bushy tail.

We had now arrived in the pine region of the sierra. The Mexican scouts reported that the country ahead of us was still more difficult of access; but the track having been laid out well by Professor Libbey along the pine-covered slopes, we safely arrived at the crest of the sierra, which here has an elevation of 8,200 feet.

The steep slopes of the valleys and crevices were covered with slippery pine needles eight to twelve inches long, while the pines rose up to a height of a hundred feet or more. The forest, never touched by a woodman's axe, had a remarkably young and fresh look about it.

Native American Drums of the Tarahumara are a prized posession. Today roads exist where once only foot trails existed, but the elusive drums are still sought after. Tarahumara drums used in festivals are hand made Native drums of stretched goat skin rawhide. Tarahuara drums called aro drums, meaning ring drums are used during the Semana Santa festival as a means to call people together from remote mountain areas. © Mission Del Rey. Tarahumara ceremonial drums are authentic examples of Native American drums.

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 05:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Native American Drum Blessing Ceremony

Native American Drums are a very important part of Native life and culture. They are respected for their beauty and spiritual connection to nature and the drummer. Recently, we had the pleasure of helping a very special family with a 42" drum who wrote to share how much the drum meant to them and how their family had a drum blessing ceremony according to Native Tradition.

We opened it up carefully and assembled the drum on the stand. Beautiful
drum! Our children could not wait to try it out so we
went ahead and gave the drum a blessing ceremony the way it's done with
Native American Indians. And then, we played the drum.
It is loud! We would know because four out of five members of our family
are deaf. We are going to really enjoy this instrument for many years to
come.

I am thankful for the privilege of
purchasing such a wonderful drum. Not only is it crafted with
beautiful cedar but it has a powerful voice. We're very pleased with it. You
are more than welcome to share our comments with others so that they will
know about these wonderful drums.

As for the blessing ceremony we gave the drum it was done to purify the
drum
so that the voice that comes out of the drum will represent the good
things
that the Great Spirit has to share with us. To do so, we set the
drum
on native rugs surrounded by individual native mats for each drummer.
When
everything was set and ready, everyone left the room and then we
re-entered
the room with everyone walking in a straight line as we circled around
the
drum (clockwise pattern) until everybody had completely circled the
drum in
a complete way.

With each one of us standing before the drum I stood
toward
the east and lit up the tobacco / sage and used a dedicated feather to
fan
generated smoke toward the drum and then I would fan the smoke toward
the
east to thank the east for new life and hope. Then, we all would move to
our
left where I was facing the south as I fanned smoke toward the south to
thank it for the warmth, which represents growth and comfort.
Then we would move to our left again where I would face the west as I
fanned
smoke toward the west to thank it for the next life that the west
represents.
And finally we moved to our left to where I was facing the north,
fanned the smoke toward the direction to thank it for the cold
which it
produces and represents water and moisture that we receive.

As we all
circled
once more to our left I found myself facing the east again and I
started to
say a prayer. In this prayer we asked our grandmother (a native of
Cherokee
& Commache) to represent the voice of our drum. From there we felt the
presence of strong spirit knowing that the invitation had been
accepted. We
were so humbled by this experience. Needless to say that we found
ourselves
with tears of joy. From there I fanned the smoke toward the drum
once
more before I started to sprinkled dried tobacco and sage on the drum
from
all four directions as we circled the drum once again. And then,
afterwards,
we sat on our individual drumming mats, wanting to be as close to the
earth
rather than to be seated on a chair. Each one of us picked our drum
sticks
as we did this clockwise (left direction around the drum) I started
with the
first beat to be followed by the second beat by my wife, followed by our
eldest
daughter with the third beat, and then the fourth beat and fifth beat
were
done by my two boys. Then immediately afterwards we beat in
unity,
producing one of the most beautiful sounds we've heard in our house.
This
drumming lasted until around midnight as we found ourselves overjoyed
with
wonderful music that was so glorious in our deaf ears. The drum you
picked out for us has made us whole and complete. We thank you
for
that.

I'll be sure to let others know about this wonderful drum of the Tarahumara
Indians. All the best to you and yours, B. -Arizona. We would be very pleased to also help your family with Native American drums.

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 05:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Choosing Pedestal Floor Drums for Culture & Home Decor

Do you enjoy the Native American culture? Do you have Native American relatives or ancestors and you want a great way to honor that culture in your home? Or, even if you just love rustic furnishings, Native American drums can be the way to get the look you want. If you are looking to buy Native American drums, one great option is pedestal or floor drums. Perhaps you have been considering them for yourself but you need to know a bit more about them first. The Tarahumara are excellent craftsman and they are very proud of their pedestal drums. They create beautiful, rich drums that bring Native American heritage to anyone who comes into contact with one.

If you are thinking of getting your own pedestal drums for drumming or for decoration, you will also want to learn as much about them as possible. It’s important that you respect the drum and care for it properly as well as understand its history if you are going to use it in your home. If you are looking for a new or unique way to decorate your home, spruce up a cabin or office and share some Native American culture, you might consider using Native American drums such as the pedestal drum. When used as furniture, pedestal drums make great tables and give a natural rustic feeling to the room. What exactly is a pedestal drum?

What are Pedestal Floor Drums?
Pedestal drums are one type of drum used by the Native Americans in ceremonies and even in their daily lives. Drums represent much to people, particularly Native Americans. They remind us of our mother’s heartbeat; they are soothing and therapeutic and they are also used in many traditional ceremonies within various tribes.

Pedestal drums are larger floor drums that are made from slats of wood or hollowed log, usually using a native yellow pine (depending on where the tribe that makes them is located) and cedar. Beautiful rawhide is stretched over each end of the drum and rawhide lacing complete the drum. They may vary in size from 12” to as wide as 42” giving you a variety of sizes to meet your needs as both coffee tables or end tables.

How Are They Used?
So, how are pedestal drums used by Native Americans and in Native American ceremonies? How are they used today in a more modern culture and society? Rustic Native American pedestal drums were used as tom-tom drums in many ceremonies. They produced a different sound from hand drums and provide a great addition to any Native American ceremony with their deep tones.
There are also other uses for these beautiful pedestal drums. These larger, floor-type Native American drums are great for using as furniture in your home. Due to their size and durability, they make great tables and they are perfect for the rustic or Southwest décor. They are very popular in log homes and cabins and also in country cottages, ranch homes, lodges or in any setting where you want a beautiful rustic style.

Native American pedestal drums are much more comfortable than today’s modern furniture and they are also more unique and personal. You can add to the décor of the room with other Native American décor such as rawhide lamp shades or southwestern woven rugs, or Indian pottery as well as other items.

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 12:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Native American Hoop Drums For Drum Circles

When it comes to Native American hoop drums, there are many different types and styles available. Different Native Americans made different types of drums and for different purposes. Most often the drums were used in ceremonies and rituals or celebrations of some type. Rawhide drums were very common in most Native American cultures and used in many different types of hand drums. Each of these types of Native American drums is beautiful in its own way and serves an important purpose within the families and tribes, but in general it is the hoop drum that is common to all. The wonder and beauty of Native American hoop drums is not only reserved for Native Americans today, as they are sharing their work with other people of the world. Some of the most famous hoop drums are Tarahumara Indian drums. Their drum festivals draw people from around the world.

What are Hoop Drums? Native American hoop drums are sometimes called frame drums and throughout Native American history have been a traditional style hand drum. They are often used in ceremonies and celebrations as well as for meditation or medicine with most Native Americans. In modern society, they are used to teach people about the American Indian culture and often even used as decoration. In some cases, the drums are even used for art projects because the rawhide makes a great canvas for painting and decoration. In the history of Native Americans, drums just like the hoop drum were used for many different things. They were an essential part of the Native American culture and way of life and still remain so today. There are many spiritual, emotional and health-related benefits to drumming and hoop drums are a great way to achieve this.

How are Hoop Drums Made? Native American drums are all exquisitely hand made by the tribes that create them, each drum is unique. Tarahumara hoop drums are made by bending a piece of yellow pine into a hoop and rawhide is stretched and laced for heads. A handle is made from rawhide lacing and the drum is played by holding it vertically and tapping or “drumming” the sides. Hoop drums come in many different sizes but the standards are usually from 7” to 28” with 16” to 24” being the most popular among Native American hand drums.

The Heritage of Hoop Drums. Music is a very important part of the Native American culture. Drums were often used as well as flutes. Mothers would use flute music to soothe their babies and drums were used in many different ways for entertainment, spiritual growth and ceremonies as well as to increase and maintain health. Hoop drums are a fantastic piece of Native American history that people of all ages can enjoy.

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Reaching the Tarahumara - Native American Drums

Native American drums have long been a part of the Tarahumara culture. But reaching the Tarahumara Indians and the Mission Del Rey area to hear their native drums proved quite a challenge in the early days. The following is an account of one of the first explorers to reach the area in the late 1800's.

Climbing, climbing, climbing, one massive cordon after another, at the start through dense oak thickets, and over hills flattened and eroded with countless deep, precipitous gashes seaming the rock in every direction. Numerous springs oozed and trickled from the stratified conglomerate along the edges, sides, and bottoms of the ravines. The tops of some of these truncated knolls were quite swampy in the depressions, and covered with a thin-stemmed feathery grass. Here and there was a clump of scrub oaks; sparsely scattered about were small pines.

We found great numbers of Opuntia Missouriensis, called by the Mexicans nopal; small mesquite shrubs, too, are seen everywhere, while the resurrection plant covers great areas, like the heather on the Scotch hills. Here are also found century plants, or agaves, and many species of small ferns, such as the graceful maidenhair. In the larger water-courses are poplars and maples, now presenting their most brilliant hues, and carrying the thoughts of the Americans back to their Northern homes.

~The call of the Native American drums seemed to make the Chambers family feel much the same way on their fist assent into the canyon highlands in the late 1900's. Foot paths have given way to dirt roads, but were nearly impassable. Many areas were unable to be reached during the rainy season when dirt turned to deep mud and countless hours were spent digging out. The Native Tarahumara drums we heard on summer nights were much different than that of the Cherokee and more closely resembled the Apach drums from the early days when Geronimo and his band roamed the high plateaus of the barrancas del cobre or copper canyon.~

Thus we advanced for about six miles and made camp, at an elevation of 6,300 feet, on some old trincheras, with a fine view over the vast country we had left below. Large flocks of gray pigeons of remarkable size squatted on the pine trees nearby, and two specimens of the gigantic woodpecker we here observed for the first time. Here, too, Mr. Robinette shot a new species of squirrel, Sciurus Apache. It was large, of a pale grayish-yellow color varied with black, and having a long, full and bushy tail.

We had now arrived in the pine region of the sierra. The Mexican scouts reported that the country ahead of us was still more difficult of access; but the track having been laid out well by Professor Libbey along the pine-covered slopes, we safely arrived at the crest of the sierra, which here has an elevation of 8,200 feet.

The steep slopes of the valleys and crevices were covered with slippery pine needles eight to twelve inches long, while the pines rose up to a height of a hundred feet or more. The forest, never touched by a woodman's axe, had a remarkably young and fresh look about it.

Native American Drums of the Tarahumara are a prized posession. Today roads exist where once only foot trails existed, but the elusive drums are still sought after. Tarahumara drums used in festivals are hand made Native drums of stretched goat skin rawhide. Tarahuara drums called aro drums, meaning ring drums are used during the Semana Santa festival as a means to call people together from remote mountain areas and are authentic examples of Native American drums.

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Native American Drum | Indian Hand Drums

Both double sided hoop drums and one sided shaman drums are available in large quantities. If you are looking for Native drums as gifts, now is the time to order before the Christmas rush. Authentic Indian drums are very popular this time of year.

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Native American Drums For Rustic Furniture

Native American Drums For Rustic Tables

Native American drums used for rustic tables are the exact opposite of the cold look of contemporary style and ultra modern decorating. People are making a strong shift in their expectations for their furniture’s comfort and design by embracing Native American. Drums suite both form and function when one desires to build a sense of home into their design. Warmth and friendliness have become the emphasis of this popular décor with Indian drum tables, antler lamps and rawhide lamp shades leading the way. The congeniality of a country smile or closeness with dear friends is the atmosphere sought after in today’s rustic design and becoming a reality through Native American drums.

Drums, Native American designs and natural materials are playing a big part in the reversal to comfort and simplicity. By combing various accents, decorators are creating rustic home décor with down home feel that is affordable and interestingly beautiful. Native American drums seem to fit the bill perfectly.

Cedar Pow Wow Drum Large pow wow drums are used as center or coffee tables while smaller Indian drums make perfect end tables. The primitive natural rawhide of the drums and the rich wood tones bring a rustic theme to the room that harmonizes all of the elements. It’s truly amazing what a unique look can be accomplished by using tables made from Native drums.

Native American drums as furniture hasn’t found a place in the lime light of flashy magazine photos of contemporary homes with hard steel and glass, but Native drum tables certainly have found a place in the hearts of Americans, Native or not. The homey relaxed feeling that it’s ok to take off your shoes and sit on the furniture is made with fabrics of homespun character, quilts and rag rugs, bent wood rockers and cedar drum tables.

Table drums also help the flow of the room because of their rounded corners. Coffee table drums help keep the room from looking overcrowded. Some of the greatest examples of rustic décor using Native American Indian drums are those that have a feeling of a country cabin or lodge, open and warm. Tarahumara Indian drums in particular are a type of Native American drum especially well suited to rustic furniture adding a rough hewn look with warm color for a great cabin look.

Native American Pedestal Drum Pedestal drums range in size from 12” to 24” diameter making them just right for corner and end tables, while the larger powwow drums can be as large as 42” in diameter. Both use a perfect combination of beautiful rawhide with natural pine and cedar for an inviting feel. Think Native drums American style, by using country crafts to warm your whole room and add a touch of rustic charm. Imagine the rekindling of by gone days when Teddy Roosevelt made the masculine hunting lodge style so popular. Antler chandeliers, bears carved from logs and antique hooks for hats and coats. Try using a lot of wrought iron lamps and accessories with your new drum tables. If you love western furniture as well as southwest style, try an old horse collar mirror or wrought iron horseshoe wall hanging as well as painted Indian hoop drums as accents.

Native American drums as rustic furniture may be a new concept to some, but there is nothing more warm and simple than a Navajo rug under a Native drum, with Indian pottery and a log ladder near by to make a subtle but amazing affect. Southwestern designs on wool throws and tapestries are also perfect for this style. So make a bold statement in your favorite space with beautiful Native American drums.

Author: Craig Chambers Mission Del Rey is preserving the culture of the Tarahumara Indians through traditional skills. This article may be freely reprinted with an active html link to Native American Drums is included.

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Native American Indian Drum Sound Quality

We recently had a lady involved in a drumming circle asked if Native drums have a variation of sound or if they are consistant across the surface of the drum.

Native american drums are made with natural hides rather than modern man-made materials and the sound charactoristics are different.

People who drum with Indian drums vary the tone of the drum in two ways. First by the strength of the strike with the beater and then also by where they strike the drum. By alternating the strike point from drum center to the edge of the drum, the drummer can control the tone and volume of native drums.

I've also noticed that drummers use different tom tom's or beaters. It is quite noticable that a hard or soft head on the beater brings forth a different sound even on the same drum. The soft drum stick delivers a softer thud sound while a hard beater yields a more ringing tone with a noticable resonance.

Enjoy your Native rawhide drums.

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Care and cleaning of Native American Indian Drums

Rawhide Indian drums are very durable and can be played for extended periods of time. The only concern for Indian hand drums made of rawhide it that they not get wet. Native rawhide drums actually use stretched skin and do well in conditions that our own skin likes. This is true for any shaman drum, hoop drum or frame drum as they are called that is made with untanned rawhide. Some modern hand drums made with non-natural materials have different properties.

Store the drum in a cool, dry place. If exposed to high humidity, hoop drums may temporarily lose their tone, becoming loose. The tone can be restored by heating the instrument slowly in front of a fire, by using a hair dryer on hot. Be careful not to over heat a drum, but they can stand slightly higher heat than the human hand can tolerate.

Heat is the enemy of rawhide Indian drums. Do not make the mistake of leaving a natural stretched animal skin drum closed in a car or in a window with direct sun. Heat and dryness may split the head. If you transport a drum through a dry climate you can keep it in a plastic bag with a slightly damp piece of paper towel enclosed. In a humid climate you can preserve the tone of a drum by sealing it in a plastic bag. After shipping, transporting or rain storms the heating or drying/tightening process will probably need to be repeated. Most drummers will dry their drum before their drumming group meets for best sound quality.

Many people love to see their drums when not drumming and use them as décor. Hanging on a wall or shelf is fine. But remember to avoid heat sources like a radiator or heating vent or where there is direct sun or high temperature. It is best never to store a rawhide Indian drum in plastic because it needs to breath.

Native American drums can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth. Remember not to over dampen the rawhide unless you have time for it to slowly air dry to re tighten. Occasional oiling with neatsfoot oil especially on the points where the lacing joins the drum head is helpful. The oil should be rubbed into the hide using very little oil rather than saturating the hide. If you have painted drums avoid rubbing the actual decoration. With a little care, you will enjoy and get the most from your Indian drums.

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 07:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Indian Drums Used By Native American Drummers

Native American drums such as those made by the Tarahumara Indians have a wonderful variation of tone across the surface of the drum head. As well as pedestal drums and pow wow drums, including Indian hoop drums are made by hand with natural rawhide rather than modern materials and the characteristics of the sound they create are quite unique weather for powwow or personal drumming groups.

People who play Indian drums vary the tone of the drum in two or three ways. This is done mainly by the strength of the strike with the drum beater against the head and then also by where they strike the drum. By alternating the striking point from near the drum’s center to closer to the edge, the drummer can control the tone and volume of native drums very well. A skilled drummer will also alter the sound waves by using his hand to either stop the resonance all together between beats or by very lightly touching the hide, cause a variety of subtle changes in the tone.

Native drums can also produce a variety of tones by using different tom toms or beaters depending on the sound desired. It is quite noticeable that a hard or soft head on the beater brings forth a quite different sound even on the same drum. The soft drum stick delivers a softer and lower thud sound while a hard beater yields a higher and more ringing tone with much greater resonance. Indian drums are quite versitale.

Shamanic drums have become well recognized because of the artful use of shaman drums in natural medicine such as healing and physical, mental and emotional therapy. The rhythm of Indian drums has also been said to align ones inner self, free the spirit and restore a sense of harmony to life.

Tarahumara Indian drums are primitive Native American drums, using goat skin which has unique stretching and sound qualities. The rawhide drum skins are prepared according to traditional methods that are the closely guarded secrets of the drum makers and used as ceremonial drums during festivals.

The hide is stretched and laced onto the traditional bend wood pine frame or hoop at just the right tension to create Indian hoop drums with optimum sound and still allow for residual stretching. Genuine rawhide goat skin is a natural "live" material with unique drumming qualities. It moves, expands and contracts with changing temperatures and can be repeatedly tightened with heat. It has an infinite variety of subtle veining and color tone and its rich luster becomes more beautiful with age.

In the hands of a skilled drummer, these Indian drums speak, delivering tones that are subtle and spiritual or pounding with excitement. Striking the drum in a variety of ways, with varying intensity of sound, Tarahumara shaman drums seem to touch one's inner being. During the pounding enthusiasm of their ceremonies with perhaps 100 drummers, the percussion of hand drums fills the air and beats within the chests of the surrounding participants as hearts adjust their rhythm to the Indian drums.

This article may be freely reprinted with an active html link to http://www.missiondelrey.com/native-american-drums.html included.

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 08:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

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.

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 07:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ceremonial Indian Hoop Drums of the Tarahumara

Tarahumara Indian drums are primitive Native American drums, using goat skin which has unique stretching and sound qualities. The rawhide drum skins are prepared according to traditional methods that are the closely guarded secrets of the drum makers.

The hide is stretched and laced onto the traditional bend wood pine frame at just the right tension to create an Indian hoop drum with optimum sound and still allow for residual stretching. Genuine rawhide goat skin is a natural "live" material with unique drumming qualities. It moves, expands and contracts with changing temperatures and can be repeatedly tightened with heat. It has an infinite variety of subtle veining and color tone and it's rich luster becomes more beautiful with age.
In the hands of a skilled Tarahumara, these Indian drums speak, delivering tones that are subtle and spiritual or pounding with excitement. Striking the drum in a variety of ways, with varying intensity of sound, Tarahumara shaman drums seem to touch one's inner being. During the pounding enthusiasm of their ceremonies with perhaps 100 drummers, the percussion of hand drums fills the air and beats within the chests of surrounding participants as hearts adjust their rhythm to the drums.
If you are interested in primitive, Native made natural hide drums, you would appreciate the rich culture of the Native American drums of the Tarahumara Indians.

Continue reading "Ceremonial Indian Hoop Drums of the Tarahumara" »

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 07:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tightening Tarahumara Indian Hoop Drums

Tarahumara Indian Hoop Drums

As you know, Tarahumara Indian hoop drums are beautiful Indian hand drums made in traditional Native American fashion. Tarahumara drums are perfect for drumming circles, pow wow or southwest decor.

Tarahumara hoop drums have rawhide stretched over a bent wood hoop frame and laced around the edges. The rawhide drum heads are wet when stretched the tighten as they air dry. Rawhide Indian drums can also become loose when subjected to high humidity such a thunder storm. Since there is no drum key or adjustment on Tarahumara drums, the answer is to dry the drum hide to retighten it.

In the worst case, when Native hoop drums become very loose and wavy, the entire drum can be soaked or wetted with a spray bottle. Allowed to air dry, the hide will tighten and become smooth again. If stored in climate controlled invironments, Native American Hoop Drums will normally remain tight untill humidity levels increase. Using a hair dryer is a quick way to tighten the drum skin or hold the hoop drum in fron of a fire for a few minutes.

Often people will assume incorrectly that a hoop drum is defective or warn out when the loose rawhide is discovered. But this is a natural part of using natural rawhide Indian drums.

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Native American Drum Sound Variation

At Mission Del Rey, we had an interesting question about Native American drum sound recently. A lady in a drumming circle asked if the sound varied on different parts of an Indian drum or if it is consistent across the surface.

Continue reading "Native American Drum Sound Variation" »

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 05:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Loose Rawhide on Indian Hand Drums

Natural rawhide native american drums loosen in times of humidity and tighten when heated.

Drum rawhide may become loose or wavy during shipping as they pass through humid parts of the country or as humidity passes through your area.

Continue reading "Loose Rawhide on Indian Hand Drums" »

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Native American Drums Clearance

Native American Indian Drums Claearance

Continue reading "Native American Drums Clearance" »

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Making & Use of Native American Indian Hoop Drums

Tarahumara Indian drums are primitive Native American drums, using goat skin which has unique stretching and sound qualities. The rawhide drum skins are prepared according to traditional methods that are the closely guarded secrets of the drum makers.

Continue reading "Making & Use of Native American Indian Hoop Drums" »

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 08:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tarahumara Indian Drums & Violins

Musical instruments such as drums and violins are made frequently for use in ceremonies. Drums are made from pieces of goatskin stretched over a wooden frame. They are used extensively during the Holy Week or Semana Santa festivities before Easter.

Continue reading "Tarahumara Indian Drums & Violins" »

Posted by Mission Del Rey at 06:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Mission Del Rey - Rawhide Lamp Shades, Indian Drums, Rugs | Southwest Decor

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March 10, 2007

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December 29, 2006

Reaching the Tarahumara - Native American Drums

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Native American Drum | Indian Hand Drums

November 03, 2006

Native American Drums For Rustic Furniture

October 25, 2006

Native American Indian Drum Sound Quality

October 22, 2006

Care and cleaning of Native American Indian Drums

September 18, 2006

Indian Drums Used By Native American Drummers

May 24, 2006

Indian Cedar Pow Wow Drums for Drumming & Décor

April 22, 2006

Ceremonial Indian Hoop Drums of the Tarahumara

Tarahumara Indian drums are primitive Native American drums, using goat skin which has unique stretching and sound qualities. The rawhide drum skins are prepared according to traditional methods that are the closely guarded secrets of the drum makers.

If you are interested in primitive, Native made natural hide drums, you would appreciate the rich culture of the Native American drums of the Tarahumara Indians.

April 01, 2006

Tightening Tarahumara Indian Hoop Drums

Tarahumara Indian Hoop Drums

As you know, Tarahumara Indian hoop drums are beautiful Indian hand drums made in traditional Native American fashion. Tarahumara drums are perfect for drumming circles, pow wow or southwest decor.

Often people will assume incorrectly that a hoop drum is defective or warn out when the loose rawhide is discovered. But this is a natural part of using natural rawhide Indian drums.

January 08, 2006

Native American Drum Sound Variation

At Mission Del Rey, we had an interesting question about Native American drum sound recently. A lady in a drumming circle asked if the sound varied on different parts of an Indian drum or if it is consistent across the surface.

December 22, 2005

Loose Rawhide on Indian Hand Drums

Natural rawhide native american drums loosen in times of humidity and tighten when heated.

Drum rawhide may become loose or wavy during shipping as they pass through humid parts of the country or as humidity passes through your area.

December 18, 2005

Native American Drums Clearance

Native American Indian Drums Claearance

December 15, 2005

Making & Use of Native American Indian Hoop Drums

Tarahumara Indian Drums & Violins

Musical instruments such as drums and violins are made frequently for use in ceremonies. Drums are made from pieces of goatskin stretched over a wooden frame. They are used extensively during the Holy Week or Semana Santa festivities before Easter.