Using Native American Hand Drums For Southwest Decor And Ceremonial Drumming

Because of my career in interior design, I have always loved Native American hand drums for their natural beauty when used for southwestern decor, and for the significant role they play in American Indian drum music. Most people I come across are not aware that these hand drums are among the most famous cultural icons in the world. For hundreds of years, American Indian people relied on their belief in the extraordinary power of these drums for spiritual and healing purposes, and have always thought of the hand drum as a prized possession among all Native American musical instruments. 

Though all Native American drums have resembling characteristics about them, you may not realize that native drums are different in many forms depending on the tribe. Some tribes use the hand drum exclusively in secret ceremonies, whereas in others, they are the main focus of the public event or powwow. Native people also use these hand held musical instruments for dance, 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 group, it is important to choose one made with quality materials similar to the original materials used. The traditional, all natural hand held drums used throughout Native American history, were made of wood cut from a fallen tree trunk. When cut correctly, the long thin strip of wood curled to form a hoop that measured two to six feet in length, depending on the size of the hand drum desired. Once the drum ring was bent to the right size, it was held with one end overlapping the other and held in place with a piece of raw hide lacing. 

Allowed to dry slowly in the open air, the remaining moisture in the hand drum hoop would evaporate, allowing the ring to shrink to the right size. As you look into the history of the different tribal hand drums, you will notice that they were covered on either one, or both sides of the drum hoop with animal skin. Different woods and hides were used depending on the Indian tribe and where they were geographically, but the most common materials were pine, and goat skin. These days, Native American hand drums are made using a variety of exotic hides, but traditionally, goat skin rawhide was the preferred skin because of its stretching ability and sound quality.

Now days, you can quickly find Native American hand drums online and in stores that sell western and rustic home decor. Whether adorned 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 impressed with authenticity and traditional American Indian values, you will certainly enjoy having and displaying authentic Native American hand drums.

See Other Ceremonial Drums.