Pow Wow Drums
If you want to enhance your Southwest decor, you could do worse than choose some Indian drums. The native American artifacts are very popular within their culture and are often chosen to lead the entertainment at a meeting or traditional council, better known as a powwow. Singers and dancers gather around the drum.
Southwest decor often forms the backdrop at a lodge, cabin, ranch or rustic log home and authentic native drums make a good addition. The drums can become a focal point of attention and are very imposing, made out of natural cedar, topped with cowhide and special lacing.
Every year, a circuit of events around the country attracts top native American Indian drum performances as the various styles and repertoire are introduced amongst the different cultures and tribes. Event committee organizers are keen to attract the best singers and drummers as they set up their next powwow.
Sometimes Indian drum songs are very confusing to outsiders, who are often not able to understand the subtle differences. However, thousands of these songs, specific to various occasions, have been passed down through the generations and are very traditional. Songs can be attributed to particular events and occasions and the top four Indian drum songs are heard during contests, veteran tributes, flag ceremonies and when quitting, or finishing off the performance.
Most people do not appreciate that up to eight people will surround a drum during the entertainment process. Ladies are expected to sit behind and sing, whilst men will actually surround the drum and interact. The vocalists and entertainers must have a great song selection as they are not expected to repeat any during a performance.
Adherence to tradition is a very important part of native American culture and when the flag songs are performed, all those present must stand and be silent until it is complete. Everyone who attends a powwow or celebration is expected to adhere and the same applies when the veteran’s songs are performed as part of the evening repertoire. The veteran songs have been especially written to commemorate the service of the brave, specific to the various wars or places of combat. Once again, everyone must remain standing to show their support.
During traditional Native American Indian gatherings, contests are often held and these specific drum song performances are designed to help judge and determine a winner. Skills are tested and participation is encouraged especially if inter-tribal dance songs are included. When all is complete, the quitting song is another tradition that calls for everyone to respect. Nobody should leave until it is complete.
No Southwest decor theme could be complete without the addition of Native American Indian drums. Those who study our country’s rich music heritage often find these items of particular interest, as well.
