Understanding The Significant Role Of The Native American Drum

Native drum ceremonies are very important to the Native American people and have always been an expression of their 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 important way for native people to stay in touch with not only each other, but also 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 community. 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.  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. Not all Native American tribes 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. 

Hoops drums, pedestal or floor drums, and pow wow drums 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. 

See more Native American drums here.