| Because I enjoy home decorating, I have always loved | | | | properly, the long thin strip of wood curled to form a |
| Native American hand drums for their natural beauty | | | | ring that measured two to six feet in length, depending |
| when used for southwestern decor, and for the | | | | on the size of the hand drum desired. Once the drum |
| significant role they play in American Indian drum music. | | | | ring was bent to the right size, it was held with one |
| Most people I meet don't know that these hand drums | | | | end overlapping the other and kept in place with a |
| are among the most famous cultural icons in the world. | | | | piece of rawhide lace. Allowed to dry naturally in the |
| For centuries, American Indian people relied on their | | | | open air, the remaining wetness in the hand drum hoop |
| belief in the unique power of these drums for spiritual | | | | would evaporate, allowing the ring to shrink to the |
| and healing purposes, and have always thought of the | | | | exact size. |
| hand drum as a prized possession among all Native | | | | As you research the history of the various tribal hand |
| American musical instruments. | | | | drums made, you will learn that they were covered on |
| Though all Native American drums have similar | | | | either one, or both sides of the drum hoop with animal |
| characteristics about them, you may not realize that | | | | skin. Various woods and hides were used depending |
| native drums are different in many forms according to | | | | on the Indian tribe and where they were geographically, |
| tribe. Some tribes use the hand drum only in secret | | | | but the most common materials were pine, and goat |
| ceremonies, whereas in others, they are the main | | | | skin. These days, Native American hand drums are |
| focus of the public ceremony or powwow. Native | | | | made using a variety of animal hides, but traditionally, |
| people also use these hand held musical instruments | | | | goat skin rawhide was the preferred skin because of |
| for dance, personal meditating and in sweat lodges. No | | | | its special stretching and sound quality. |
| matter how they are used, the hand drum still plays a | | | | Today, you can easily find Native American hand |
| key role in American Indian music and in Native culture | | | | drums online and in stores that specialize in |
| today. | | | | southwestern and American Indian home decor. |
| When choosing one of these beautiful drums to add to | | | | Whether adorned on the wall in a cabin or lodge to |
| your western style home decor or for playing in a | | | | enhance rustic decor, or simply being played for |
| drum group, it is important to choose one made with | | | | ceremonial drumming, these Native drums will add |
| quality materials similar to the original materials used. | | | | great charm to your life and environment. If you are |
| The traditional, all natural hand held drums used | | | | drawn to authenticity and traditional American Indian |
| throughout Native American history, were made of | | | | values, you will certainly enjoy owning and displaying |
| wood cut from a downed tree trunk. When cut | | | | genuine Native American hand drums. |