I was looking for unique items to decorate my rustic log cabin. Having a strong interest in Native American history as well as western and Indian art, I came across one of a kind Tarahumara Indian Ceremonial Drums to add to my southwestern decor.
During Easter week last year, (otherwise known as Holy Week or Semana Santa) I had the privilege to visit a small town in the country of Mexico. The Tarahumara Indians have a tremendous ceremony reenacting the events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion on the cross. Included in the festival is lots of dancing and beating of drums. At the end of the ceremony, arrows are shot into a straw man whom they depict as Judas. (If you remember Bible history…Judas is the one who betrayed Jesus in the Bible for thirty pieces of silver before His crucifixion.)
As I approached the small village, I saw many men and older boys with brightly painted white spots on their dark skin. Each held a crudely formed drum, most painted with an unusual design from orange dirt. The sound emanated over the hills and I could feel the pounding in my chest. As the men danced and drank their homemade moonshine called tesguino (sacred corn beer) they seemed to almost fall into a trance. The brightly dressed women huddled quietly together in a group sitting on the cold ground.
By the end of the day, many of the men were far from sober and exhausted from the day’s activities. They readily wanted to dispose of their drums for pesos and I was fortunate enough to bring one home with me. That time spent among the Tarahumara people is a memory that I will cherish throughout my lifetime.
